I literally had this last week. If the vets has brought it up, id probably say its time. She's only going to get worse. If you let her go later you will kick yourself for it but we all understand its a really difficult position to be in
17 year old GWP likely needs putting down.
- Thread starter TOMHOWA
- Start date
CookM
Well-Known Member
I was 45 mins late getting back for lunch.
My best mate Alfie was sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor in his own mess.
He gave me the look of "Dad,you were late sorry"
I didn't go back to the farm.
He had a nice warm bath,which he loved.
He went to sleep in the back of the Hilux in the vets carpark eating chicken breast slices.
It still hurts me,but you must.
I am not a softy trust me.
My best mate Alfie was sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor in his own mess.
He gave me the look of "Dad,you were late sorry"
I didn't go back to the farm.
He had a nice warm bath,which he loved.
He went to sleep in the back of the Hilux in the vets carpark eating chicken breast slices.
It still hurts me,but you must.
I am not a softy trust me.
My first wire died last year one day at 16 years old. She was absolutely fine in the morning, jumped up into the truck after her walk and we went to work. At lunch time, I went to let her out again and she was just drawing her last breath. I took her to a vet about ten minutes away but she had no pulse when I got there. I was so grateful that I didn’t have to take make that decision. She was a great dog as I’m sure yours is.
All you can do is your best for them. I’m quite inclined to take my dogs long before they might need to. I can’t bear the thought of them in any sort of pain.
Good luck with it. It’s a hard hard day.
All you can do is your best for them. I’m quite inclined to take my dogs long before they might need to. I can’t bear the thought of them in any sort of pain.
Good luck with it. It’s a hard hard day.
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
The problem with vets now days is it’s all about ££££, prolong life for as
Long as possible, more drugs to keep them comfortable the more coin they earn.
Being a farm manager if I was to let an animal under my care suffer unnecessarily, I would be prosecuted with the full force of the law, but I am expected to let my dog suffer?!
Modern day vets dont have the spine for it anymore
Sorry to hear that mate. Been there recently myself, sounds like its time . Feel for you
this was me too. Couldnt do it and so glad I didnt
That's not my experience of vets. Certainly not independent rural vets, anyway. Most of the vets in our local practice are from farming family backgrounds. They don't do soft talk.
I had a once in a lifetime dog growing up. As a student I knew in my heart of hearts that the game was up but had to try and save her. I regret the extra couple of months.
As a vet I often advised clients of that when I was in full time small animal work. I'd even say better a month too soon than a day too late.
There hsve been some ruddy good posts on here, covering pretty much everything I've said to clients.
One thing I would say though is whilst I prefer the owner to be present and think it's better for the dog, not everyone can face it and whilst I rather they did, I don't hold it against people. Their dog wouldn't. The vet and nurses will do their best to make up for you if you cannot face being there but please try to be.
@Norfolk Deer Search we're not all like that although I agree the profession is losing its way especially with corporatisaton.
@Rhodesianjess your dad was absolutely spot on. Good man.
@Dalua I agree.
As a vet I often advised clients of that when I was in full time small animal work. I'd even say better a month too soon than a day too late.
There hsve been some ruddy good posts on here, covering pretty much everything I've said to clients.
One thing I would say though is whilst I prefer the owner to be present and think it's better for the dog, not everyone can face it and whilst I rather they did, I don't hold it against people. Their dog wouldn't. The vet and nurses will do their best to make up for you if you cannot face being there but please try to be.
@Norfolk Deer Search we're not all like that although I agree the profession is losing its way especially with corporatisaton.
@Rhodesianjess your dad was absolutely spot on. Good man.
@Dalua I agree.
I let my old girl go on Monday, 16 1/2 years of unwavering loyalty, my wife and I wept like children. We've had dozens of messages from clients, some in tears as they knew her so well. It's the most heart-rending decision you will ever make. We had it done at home in a calm and peaceful manner after her spending her last day at work with us, she still greeted every client enthusiastically and vociferously. She would never have improved, but we refused to see her deteriorate and suffer. Don't keep them for your own sake. Of all the dogs I've done this for, this was the hardest as she'd been my constant companion, travelled across Europe several times and worked tirelessly for me and many clients.
Dig deep, deep breath, chest out and do the right thing. It is the last kindness you can give and the ultimate act of love and friendship. Now you've set me off......
Best wishes
Paul
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
I usually have 4 working dogs at any one time. For years now my vets have called out to me.It probably helps that most Irish practices are mixed large and small animal. The dog is in the back of the car which is a happy place for them. My vets are good caring people. Sadly for them this is a job they do many times.
After the dog is put to sleep, the rest of the team are shown their companion. Digging a hole in very rocky ground is part of the grieving process if you can understand that.Then my oldest tattiest coat becomes a final bed, with dog biscuits and cartridges or rifle rounds in the pockets, and if there aren't bones to hand i wouldn't hesitate to take a leg of venison out of the freezer. Usually a hankie or an odd sock as well. Both are items that go walkabout!
I think quality of life and dignity have to be judged as impartially as you can. A number of posters have said that dogs are battlers and better a minute too soon than a day too late.
There's a piece on Google called the Rainbow Bridge. It will make you well up.
This has taken ages to write because the screen keeps blurring.
I think by now you have discovered that there's a core of real decency in SD when it really matters.
ATB
Ion
After the dog is put to sleep, the rest of the team are shown their companion. Digging a hole in very rocky ground is part of the grieving process if you can understand that.Then my oldest tattiest coat becomes a final bed, with dog biscuits and cartridges or rifle rounds in the pockets, and if there aren't bones to hand i wouldn't hesitate to take a leg of venison out of the freezer. Usually a hankie or an odd sock as well. Both are items that go walkabout!
I think quality of life and dignity have to be judged as impartially as you can. A number of posters have said that dogs are battlers and better a minute too soon than a day too late.
There's a piece on Google called the Rainbow Bridge. It will make you well up.
This has taken ages to write because the screen keeps blurring.
I think by now you have discovered that there's a core of real decency in SD when it really matters.
ATB
Ion
It's funny really.....and with the greatest respect to @TOMHOWA - I hope whatever decision you make, you're left with good memories of your best mate......Despite all the grumbling and growling at each other in the various forums (and with @Stalker62 's recent thread about the "Pub" in mind), it's been a real honour to read such sensible and caring comments from you all. It just goes to show that behind all the gruff, ruffy-tuffy outward appearance, there are many good people on the site who are a credit to it!
CookM
Well-Known Member
It’s always telling that the first question they always ask is about insurance.
My wife has a 13 year old pug that struggles with breathing after running. We moved house recently and she took it to get injections. The new vet wants her to spend £5k on some sort of surgery to open up her nose. On a 13 year old pug!
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Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
Heidi had substantial breast cancer, she had more lumps and bumps up her nipples than a Helter skelter, they wanted to do a full mastectomy, my reply was how do you not know that the cancer has not spread further inside the body?
Then I made the decision to do what I did and I stuck to my guns they didn’t like it in the slightest!
That’s the exact reason or one of that I will no longer have dogs or any other variety of pets ever again
I'd love to say id never own dogs again but ive still got 2. The first one I lost a few of years ago absolutely devastated me. He was my best friend and thankfully he took the option away from me.
My vets are actually ok to deal with. I explained outright that the latest wouldn't be having surgery because im not a **** (not when my dogs are involved anyway) and it would be fair on her to have no quality of life for her last few months. They weren't even particularly bothered about payment. Just said we will sort it another time which surprised me
Especially when all pugs are born with breathing difficulties
Skietindiekop
Well-Known Member
I can’t read all the posts as I was in the same position last September with my lab that was two weeks short of being 14. She had been incontinent for some months but it was her difficulties with her back legs and pain that was the main reason for this.
Pain meds were prescribed and tried but with no improvement the vet raised the subject of euthanasia.
It was the right decision but I still sorely miss her.
Better to go on a good day in peace than a bad one in pain.
Pain meds were prescribed and tried but with no improvement the vet raised the subject of euthanasia.
It was the right decision but I still sorely miss her.
Better to go on a good day in peace than a bad one in pain.
I have had a good many working dogs in my lifetime and one thing common to most of them was the dislike of going to the vet.
When it came to it I would do the job myself as said elsewhere. Maybe sat shooting a pigeon or two in a place they enjoyed. It has never caused me lack of sleep as I considered it the best way for them, rather than lingering on and being taken finally to a place they disliked.
When it came to it I would do the job myself as said elsewhere. Maybe sat shooting a pigeon or two in a place they enjoyed. It has never caused me lack of sleep as I considered it the best way for them, rather than lingering on and being taken finally to a place they disliked.
I remember each and every dog I've lost, almost all were quiet, peaceful, and as kind an ending as any creature could hope for.
Your posts sometimes have a way of shaking loose memories for me that often I'd rather keep down deep.
The one that still hurts after two decades is my old boy Ben, who died in my arms of a stroke after I'd prevaricated taking him on that last journey. His last few days were because I couldn't bear to lose him, not because he wanted to stay. I buried him that same November night, and couldn't tell if my face was wet through rain or tears. Both, I suspect. I'll never prevaricate over this again, and I wish to God I hadn't then. Even after more than twenty years.
Better a day too early than a minute too late.
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