Hi all
I have'nt been on the board for quite a while with my life been in an upheavel for the last 8 months. I lost my little Tommie last year in July due to an osteo sarcoma in his neck.
Now I have come before a desicion I have to make for Jessie. Those of you who know me, Jessie is a staffie\dachie mix and 11 years old.
For the last year she's being showing signs of dementia and acting in strange ways, eg. she'll just sit in front of the fridge and stare into it, or she sits on the bed, and just stare at nothing, with her head lowered. Then she'll snap out of it and be herself again. She will also sit and start ripping the carpet or pillow apart, despite me looking at her, it's like her brain cuts out. She has become extremely demolishing to such an extent that I have to enclose her in an outside area during the day, which is not a big space, and herein lies my dilemma. I can't let Simson and Heino also stay outside now because of her. They snooze in the bed all day long, and they can go to the outside on the other side of the house. I have no other choice as to enclose Jessie on this side of the house which is a small space with a limited view as well. I can just see the saddness in her eyes and I cant see her like this. She has became very withdrawn and is loosing weight. I feed her extra food, but she do not gain any more weight. She has lost almost all her teeth due to chewing on wires and stones.
I feel it's not a life for her to be enclosed in a small area, away from her siblings, but I can't let her in the house. When I look in her eyes, I see saddness and wearyness and I think the best will to let her go, but I don't have the heart to do it. She's not "there" yet, but on the other hand, how long must she live this enclosed life before she decides she wants to go?
Even if you don't have any input on this, if was just good to let it out, to people who also love their furkids.
This pic was taken January 2008, here you can already see the saddness in her eyes.
Lauri, I think you've answered your own question. Like I've said so many times before, our little ones will let you know when it's time to go, and it's the eyes that always give it away.
I think it's really up to you to decide....and you want to talk to your vet about the issue if your in doubt.
Lauri, I really do see the sadness in her eyes, as you mentioned. I know how hard it is to do, but I think she is doing her best to let you know the quality of life isn't there. I think you have answered your own question and she is asking you to do the most unselfish act we can do for our furkids. I want you to know that tears are running down my face as I type this. We are here for you and many of us know what you are going through.
Oh, Laurie. This is so hard. It doesn't sound like she's having fun anymore and it doesn't sound like it's something that will get better. You know her better than anyone. Do what your heart tells you. I'm kind of in the same boat as you with my Ilsa. She's been diagnosed with lymphoma. She's only one month into the 3 to 6 months the vet gives her to live, so she's still the Ilsa I've loved for the last 9 years. But I watch her closely and the first sign of discomfort, I plan to help her. I just hope God gives me the strength before she suffers. I think that's where you are when you say she's not 'there' yet. Remember we're always here.
Always remember quality of life supercedes quaintly if she is not eating it could be from the cancer and not because she is missing her buddies.They say when they keep loosing things in their life's that they once enjoyed like eating,playing ball,going for walks when they no longer can do those things it might be there time to go to Rainbow Bridge with your help.It is a very hard decision to make sometimes you second guess yourself over it but just follow your head and heart.
Now if you do not think it is time have you thought of taking her for walks to simulate her appetite and have you given her fish oil that is suppose to help with dementia in dogs.Good luck on your decision Hugs to you. Papbouv
It is so hard to make that decision! You have our full support no matter what you decide to do! :comfort: I would try and ask the vet about it to rule any thyroid problems, or seizures out. Please do what you think is best for your Jessie. We're praying for ya. :comfort:
Lauri - my heart is heavy for you - so hard to make this final decision. Just know we are here for you. Sending gentle rays to Jessie and :comfort: to you.
Lauri, am saying prayers for you and Jessie. We are here for you no matter what!!
Rays and prayers are coming your way, Lauri, for Jessie and you along with Heino and Simson. Dee
:pray: I don't know quite how to say This, because I don't want to add to your pain and self-doubt, but . . .
My mom broke her hip September 12, 2007, had surgery on September 13, transferred to the rehab facility on September 20th and died from complications following physical therapy on October 1st.
I found out afterwards that post-op death is the number one killer in my mom's age group. Had she declined the physical therapy she might have needed a cane to walk with the rest of her life. But given a choice between stiff, but alive or limber but dead, I'D TAKE STIFF, BUT ALIVE.
When my Roscoe Angel died last June, I had to put him down but he was already "gone" from there. His eyes were glassed over and he was breathing only reflexively. Cooper-Angel was our best friend and it or our hearts to put him down, looking so much like himself.
You will know when the time has come, and you'll make the right decision.
Love,
Karen :heart:
Lauri, I know you will make the right heart decision. Whatever you choose, we here know how much you love your babies and that such a decision will be made unselfishly....in love.
It is very hard to make that decision. Sometimes they will just let you know that its OK to let them go, and they depend on us to help them make that transition. Its our final act of kindness and love for them. I've had to do it several times and it never gets easy, but knowing I toughed it out and was there for them makes me feel like I didn't let them down, not even at the last minute. Please let us know how Jessie is doing.
I just reread what I wrote before and I don't think i sounds right. I'm on some heavy medicine and I think I said it wrong. i ment to say that whichever way you decide, we all have faith in you, and we love you and we love jessie.
love - karen :heart: