Trying to live in the present.

[POPTOP]

Hello and Welcome!

Know exactly what you are feeling as we home senior labs. When Melody was having problems, I would stand over her and watch her breath with tears flowing. When she awoke, she would have her fabulous smile. Her body was failing but her mind was sharp. She also had fecal incontinence from lower spinal arthritis. We found that a pain med helped. She did not know it was even happening; I would just clean up and we would go on with our day. It's at that point I realized I was not doing her any good by being sad. She was the one trying to keep me happy so I took my cues from her. There were good days and not so good days. She loved being brushed so I did that often inside so she was comfortable. She was an absolute food hog so as she deteriorated and food was one of her few joys, she got spoiled. And when I smiled, she lit up. It was very similar with Bandit. He had a front leg tumor which the oncologist said would take him in 6-8 weeks. We did not have to say goodbye until 8 months later.

Guess what I'm trying to say is take Hershey's lead. Yes, he may be struggling, but if he is overall happy, eating, eliminating, and has that sparkle in his eye, there is still good quality of life.

We used to have this listed until the board crashed. Here is a site that helps define quality of life: Pet Loss: Defining Quality of Life

[MikeLynn]

Hi and welcome! I think I know how you feel; I had something similar with Lynn; she had hip arthritis and went on meds when she was 13 - really helped, she was pain free and fully mobile till her last day. When she got to be an elderly lady, I realized that when she was gone I would miss her a lot, including all the things I'd alway hated She was, just like Hershey for you, my best friend and I was scared realizing she wouldn't be here forever, so we tried to enjoy every minute we had left to the limit. Wishing you both a lot of good time and fun together Mike&Mel

[ZRabbits]

Hi, and Welcome to the Board.

It's really tough watching them get old. It's tough trying to make the right decision for your beloved pet. I suggest reading the link that Poptop read. Quality of Life is so important for all ages of a dog.

My thought are with both of you.

KAZ

[dynamicgang]

Hi. Do your best to do a potty schedule if you can. A little itty bitty walk might be enough to get the poop to fall out as that is really what happens at that age.

Enjoy your time with Hershey.

[4Thelove]

Hello and welcome. Can't help but cry, know very well what you are going through. You have been given good advice, nothing more to add other than you have been blessed with so many years!. My heart dog Chiefy died at the young age of 9 from cancer.

[Snowshoe]

Does Hershey have a diagnosed problem that is being treated? I wonder because she sounds so much like our Jet who we discovered, after an acute episode of pain, had Invertebral Disk Disease and Significant Spinal Spondalosis. Pain meds helped her immensely. We are not sure if her fecal incontinence was due to neurological damage in her back or the meds numbing sensation there. A higher fibre food helped with incontinence and so did Imodium; both bulked up her stool so she could feel the urge a bit sooner and was more likely to ask to go outside in time. Both as per Vet.

I know what you mean about being afraid Hershey will fall and not be able to get up. Jet enjoyed her walks. They became shorter and easier but I also took her new places we never went before, she always loved new places to explore. I wondered at the wisdom of that, what if she fell out in the bush somewhere? I could carry her 56 pounds but could I do it without hurting her more?

As it turned out she did hurt herself more on one of those walks and it's a sight that will never leave my mind. Not because of the pain but because of the joy she experienced. She grabbed a stick, threw it in the air herself, jumped to catch it and I could see she twisted something and hurt. But just before she was a puppy in her mind, and mine, again. We cut that walk short and it was her last walk. It was a good walk, she loved it. I didn't have to carry her.

My thoughts are with you and Hershey. It's a hard time but it can also be special. Sometimes we don't get to say goodbye or know when to concentrate our love. I did. You do too. Make the most of it for Hershey.

[blacklabs]

Very sorry to hear about your beloved girl and the struggles she is going through. For our beloved seniors, quality of life is paramount, so please read the articles that have been posted on this as we must do the right thing by them. Is she on any pain medication or having any type of treatment to make her comfortable?

The only downside to dog ownership is their short lifespans, we can never have them long enough and it hurts like hell when we get to the stage of having to make that horrible decision to end their suffering, but make it we must if it has got to that stage. Keeping you and your gorgeous girls Hershey in my thoughts as you go through this difficult time and I am sending lots of positive thoughts and healing vibes Hershey's way. Unfortunately many of us here know exactly how you feel, it is extremely difficult watching our beloved seniors bodies being ravaged by age. Hopefully your vet will provide you with some guidance. Lots of for you and Hershey.

[Lainie]

Hugs to both of you. Looking down the same road watching Jessie. Jessie has had a great life even with the annoying allergies she has suffered but we have watched her age so much in the past year that we too are watching her every move, making sure she is comfortable, happy & entertained as all Labs love to be. Can't say much more than what has already been said. Their live spans are too short, but its a reality we all try to deny. Guilt is our biggest enemy, so realize that you have given Hershey all the love you possess & the best life. Our hearts are with you....enjoy every day.

[Meechee'sMommy]

I completely understand your situation, I'm going through this right now and the last few days the family has been deeply discussing Meme's quality of life. Hugs to you and Hershey

[cathjon240]

I hear you loud and clear! Buster is our love and we cry when we even think about how he's going down hill. He has troubles breathing and we are considering surgery but he gets so stressed in the car and at the vet we just dont know what to do...