Ivan slipping

Dachsmack · March 23, 2007, 02:38:49 PM

Hi everyone,

I may have a painful decision to make in the coming days or weeks. Ivan is not doing well, and I'm struggling with my conscience to know when to let him go.

In the past week, he has noticeably failed. He cannot support himself very well and pretty much lays where he is placed. In recent days, I carry out him out in the morning and set him down in the grass. He eliminates -- and then plops down right where he went, unable to support himself or move out of his own way. I'm not sure he has quality of life anymore. For a while now, he hasn't really known me. And now he's not eating much, not the Ivan I've known over his 17 years and five months.

I talked to my vet today, and I'm going to take the weekend to watch my oldest boy for more clues. Send Ivan some rays, if you have any to spare.

Thank you.

Mack

Jenny G · March 23, 2007, 02:43:58 PM

Oh, Mack -I'm so sorry. My heart is just breaking for you. Lots of rays to sweet Ivan and hugs to you and your family.

Rich · March 23, 2007, 02:48:35 PM

So sorry to hear this, Mack, our thoughts will be with you - you'll do right by Ivan.

Barb · March 23, 2007, 03:03:50 PM

Oh Mack - so upsetting..... plenty of rays to send to Ivan and you..... May he have a gently passing when his time has come - he will let you know and you will know that it is the right thing for Ivan. So hard - hugs to you. Please let us know how the week end goes - check in each day if you are able.

MyLittleBoo · March 23, 2007, 03:06:42 PM

Sorry to hear about Ivan... This is heartbreaking... Many prayers, Dachsie rays and puppy kisses coming to you all....

MindyKay · March 23, 2007, 03:09:58 PM

Oh, Mack, I'm so sorry to hear this. Hugs and prayers on the way from Iowa.

cheryl186 · March 23, 2007, 03:41:40 PM

Mack, we are so very sorry to hear about Ivan. Lots of hugs and kisses and prayers coming your way

Ruth in MT · March 23, 2007, 04:10:23 PM

Ivan

and hugs from Ruth and Ellie

Valerie · March 23, 2007, 05:19:09 PM

I am very to sorry to read about Ivan. Its just heartbreaking.

Kari · March 23, 2007, 05:22:51 PM

I am so sorry you have to make this decision. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

Merion · March 23, 2007, 08:11:09 PM

Sending HHHHH's & PPPPP's for Ivan and the whole family. It is so hard to watch them when they get like this. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Merion & the ZZ's

papbouv · March 23, 2007, 09:59:19 PM

Very sorry to hear of Ivan's decline I'm sure you will know when he will let you know 17 years is a super long time for them sending hugs & prayers for you both.
Papbouv

David C. · March 24, 2007, 07:32:30 AM

Our hearts go out to you. Having been through this six months ago with Max, I know what you are feeling. Ivan has had a wonderful, wonderful run, almost 17 1/2 years IIRC. It sounds like Ivan is taking a similar path that Max took in his final days.

The two things that factored heavily into our decision to send Max on to the Bridge were the feeding and locomotion issues. In Max's latter days, people who hadn't seen him for a while thought we had gotten a new dog because he had lost so much weight. It wasn't as obvious to us because we saw him everyday, but looking back at pictures, you could tell. When Max's hind legs gave out and he was unable to locomote himself, that was when we made the decision. Yes, he could have gone on as a "lap dog", but for how much longer? It was apparent that has kidneys were probably going to fail next, and that would have caused him far more pain and suffering than necessary. Ivan will let you know when it's time.

I know Ivan is special as he was the first dachshund that started this whole thing for you. Without Ivan, there would not have been a Hannah or a Willy, or the whole host of others that now populate you and your wife's house. Unfortunately, we're getting to the time where he is going to be the first for you to make that final decision. It's never an easy decision, and it doesn't get any easier with subsequent puppers either. Sending rays and prayers to you and your family.

TerriL · March 24, 2007, 04:14:54 PM

Ivan will be in my prayers Mack. I know that you will make the right decision for your sweet boy when the time comes.
I've got four dachsies sitting here with me sending special loving rays for Ivan.

Roberta · March 24, 2007, 04:16:26 PM

RAys are with you and Ivan, like Dacid C we watched Emma similarly. But remember above all what a marvelous life Ivan has had and the memories when the time comes.
Love to you all
Roberta

roisinmarie · March 25, 2007, 09:14:43 AM

aww i am sorry to hear about ivan. i am sure you will know when the time is right an you will let him go many prayers from ireland love bruno and roisin

Dachsmack · March 25, 2007, 10:33:20 AM

Thank you all for the kind words. It's been a tough couple of days, though Ivan has eaten a little bit. I plan to have a consult with my veterinarian tomorrow.

mack

jamalucy · March 25, 2007, 06:56:55 PM

Mack, i am so sorry to hear about little Ivan. Rays sent to Ivan and prayers for you, Melanie, and Ivan too. God bless,

Brekkesmom · March 25, 2007, 07:50:25 PM

We're sorry to hear of Ivan's decline, but know that you will put his interests ahead of your desire to keep him around. I knew when it was time for Miss Heidi, but it wasn't easy to let go - and it never is, no matter their age or circumstances! Rayz and prayers for Ivan on the way to the right coast...