17 year old GWP likely needs putting down.

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TOMHOWA

Well-Known Member
My trusty GWP has reached 17 years old this month, but the last 12 months she’s deteriorated and the last 6 months have been tough. She has become incontinent in her sleep and we are having to frequently clean bedding areas multiple times a day and bathe the dog few days a week. On top of this her back legs are getting weaker and her arthritis is clearly affecting her. She’s on anti inflammatories and pain meds for that.

But other than that she’s a happy dog, runs about when off lead and is still eating with no issues. She can only do very short walks now.

My vet keeps bringing up euthanasia as her quality of life is affected and he rightly pointed out so is mine/my other dog.

I suppose this post is asking for a reality check? I’ve never had to put down a dog this was my first dog who’s helped me shoot more deer than I ever would have without her.
 
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Such a difficult decision 😟

I have been there now 5 times and it never gets easier. For me, its about their quality of life, not mine. Our washing machine is running again now, washing a soiled bed from last night. Yes its a pain (and cost), but its a small price to repay the loyalty, companionship and love given to us over the years. Its also family/time dependent too - years ago when my young toddler daughter walked in to the lounge with poo on her hands and face from another accident it forced that painful decision in that instance.

You say she's happy, still able to enjoy short walks and still eats - I'd say personally, its not yet time BUT only you can make that call..........................
 
TOMHOWA said:
My trusty GWP has reached 17 years old this month, but the last 12 months she’s serrated and the last 6 months have been tough. She has become incontinent in her sleep and we are having to frequently clean bedding areas multiple times a day and bathe the dog few days a week. On top of this her back legs are getting weaker and her arthritis is clearly affecting her. She’s on anti inflammatories and pain meds for that.

But other than that she’s a happy dog, runs about when off lead and is still eating with no issues. She can only do very short walks now.

My vet keeps bringing up euthanasia as her quality of life is affected and he rightly pointed out so is mine/my other dog.

I suppose this post is asking for a reality check? I’ve never had to put down a dog this was my first dog who’s helped me shoot more deer than I ever would have without her.
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If she is happy with a wag, why Euthanise - let nature take its course. She will be a long time dead.

Or put it another way, my Pa has completely bed ridden and paralysed from the neck down and double incontinent for the last nine months riddled with cancer. Morphine is controlling the pain, carers coming in and he is awake and lucid for a few minutes at a time a few times a day. We didn’t expect him to last this long, but I am very glad he has. We have had time to really talk and lots of new memories created.
He is in his late 80’s and will be going on his next safari soon, but I certainly wouldn’t want it any sooner than it needs be.
 
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TOMHOWA said:
My trusty GWP has reached 17 years old this month, but the last 12 months she’s serrated and the last 6 months have been tough. She has become incontinent in her sleep and we are having to frequently clean bedding areas multiple times a day and bathe the dog few days a week. On top of this her back legs are getting weaker and her arthritis is clearly affecting her. She’s on anti inflammatories and pain meds for that.

But other than that she’s a happy dog, runs about when off lead and is still eating with no issues. She can only do very short walks now.

My vet keeps bringing up euthanasia as her quality of life is affected and he rightly pointed out so is mine/my other dog.

I suppose this post is asking for a reality check? I’ve never had to put down a dog this was my first dog who’s helped me shoot more deer than I ever would have without her.
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Though very difficult for you I suggest you listen to the vet. They very rarely suggest euthanasia unless it's really the best option for the dog.
 
Been there 3 weeks ago with my 5 year WHV ,, untreatable bladder cancer ,, to look at her she was as fit as a fiddle , happy etc , only you and the family can make the call , you will no when it's time , what made me feel slightly better is when some one said better a day early than a day to late ,,,it's bloody horrible though ☹
 
Personally, I would say the time has come.
Harsh as this may sound, you can go out and get another pup tomorrow, which will give you a lot of pleasure for years to come, but watching an old dog suffer isn’t ever going to give you any pleasure at all.
 
I had my old shepherd put down last week. She had a stroke. The decision wasn’t easy and the trip to the vet was harder, but I she was old and I knew the day was coming.
Dogs give us some great days, but they’re guaranteed to give you one of your worst too.
Let her go while she still has her dignity.
She deserves at least that much.
 
A 17 year dog is a credit to you, they don't get to that age without a good owner.
We have had to let a couple go over the last few years due to old age and it's never easy.
My good lady insists the vet comes to the house so that they leave this world from a familiar environment.
 
You are the one that knows the dog
It’s your responsibility to ensure the dogs life has not deteriorated to a point where it’s unacceptable

You know the right thing to do, you owe it to the dog and to keep a dog alive for your own wellbeing is selfish and cruel.

You know what you have to do .
And make sure the dog is in your arms being comforted till it slips away.
 
Id echo what others have said, rather a day early than a day too late.
With the debate on assisted dying someone said it's not about shortening life but shortening death.
It's a very difficult decision, when I had to make the call I asked the vet her view and her silence said it all.
Get the vet to come out to you when time comes it's nicer for all involved.
 
Stalker62 said:
@TOMHOWA


Better a day early, than a minute late.


You gave your pal the best life, steel yourself, and give her the very best death.
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I cried ,as an 8 years old boy, when Dad told me to say goodbye to my first dog. Incontinent,blind and generally in a bad way.
Never forgotten his words- that dog has been your friend,done it's best for you every time you've taken her out in the bush, tried it's hardest to please you. Have the bloody decency to give her a good, quick ending. You will remember her for the rest of your life.
Never forgotten what he said, tried to the decent thing ever since.
 
Never an easy thing to do.

As above see if your vet will do a house call.

I look at it as the last kind thing you can do for a beloved companion, giving them peace in a dignified manner... all the best in this difficult time 🙏🏼
 
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One of the worst things there can be after a lifetime of the most joyous times
As above see if the vet will come to a favourite place - we did and at the time i actually proposed to the now wife a minute before it was done !
Most odd - emotions all over - even the dog went uh now ? hahaha But we talk about it all the time

Having the dog go to its favourite place one last time really eases it a little and for you too i would suggest - maybe not at the time but weeks later it will
 
Put yourself in the dog's position, would you want to be kept alive or would you rather just slip away?
Over the years, I've seen too many cases of dogs being kept alive because the owner couldn't bear to lose them. I fully understand this, but where my dogs have been concerned, I've always tried to put myself in their situation, and if THEIR quality of life is too poor, they (sadly) have to go.
 
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