Hey all! This may be kind of a dumb post as I know I need to make this decision myself, but I‘d sure love some advice. My oldest dog is 11, going on 12. The poor girl is diabetic, blind, has fatty lipomas, and mobility issues due to diabetes, breed, and age. This morning, we are fairly sure she had a stroke of some sort (the vet agrees with this diagnosis so far, blood work and an X-ray are incoming). She eats but doesn’t really want to get up much, and is generally just resting most of the day. She still has a bit of sparkle in her eyes but she doesn’t really seem to have much energy left. The vet hasn’t mentioned it, but I‘m pretty sure it’s about time to say goodbye. The most important thing to my partner and I is that once she’s suffering, it’s time to let go. She just ate a nice full dinner but still doesn’t want to get up and do much. How long would you give her? Till she’s not eating? The vet hasn’t brought it up yet, so maybe I should be patient, but she’s been such a good friend, I don’t want her to suffer. I’m just at a loss, and this is the first time I‘ve had to do this horrible calculus.
I’ve had to say goodbye to 2 beloved senior pets and this is what my vet suggested to me. He said list the 5 things that your pet loves to do the most, those activities that bring him the most joy. When he can no longer do 3 of the 5 things, then maybe start thinking about letting go.
I wish you and your pet all the best as you face these tough choices.
Man, this should also be a thing for humans. Seeing my grandmother deteriote very slowly is just painful. She wants it to end, we want it to end seeing her deaf, borderline blind and slowly turning incontinent, but her very old body just keeps going on and on without needing long term medical care. Should be part of human rights, dying on your own terms (without having to resort to violence, eg suicide)
I completely agree. As my husband and I get older and think about where to retire, one of the criteria we consider is whether or not the place has “death with dignity” laws. Some states already have it but they’re a small minority.