Letting Go- 1 Month Later

Anonymous

At this point I feel that absolutely nothing is working so why am I clutching at straws. She will not get better. That I know. But how will I know when it is time to let her go and not suffer anymore. I am just not ready to let her go.

6 years ago

Off Topic

25 replies

Latest reply was from elpgal

Marmee

Veteran

Ugh. I don't have any answers for you, but I know from personal experience how difficult this is. Our vet was somewhat helpful answering questions about the process, but in the end it was really clear that it was time (she couldn't walk one morning), and we ended up calling a home visit euthanasia vet.

Sending positive thoughts.

6 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Very hard, my neighbour has just been through a simllar situation.

I think you will know youself one day that the time has come, and it does sound as though that is approaching. Good luck with your decisions - it is very hard.

6 years ago

Jane

Veteran

Ohh, thinking of you and your much beloved Sash. Trust your inner wisdom and you will know when the time is right.

6 years ago

Anonymous

This is very difficult. I think you just have to listen and let your pet tell you when it's time. There is a line that gets crossed at some point where you just know, and can let go.

6 years ago

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

It's so hard to tell. My dog has chronic liver disease and he went through about 4 months of treatment last year that he bore stoically and about which I had many misgivings. I always figured that if he could still enjoy his sniffy walks, it would be okay. He's still around, a year later, and feeling pretty good.

6 years ago

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

I'm sorry--it is very hard. But, it's obvious that you love Sasha and you will do the best you can--and that's all we can reasonably ask of ourselves--when making this decision.

6 years ago

Barbara Diane

Veteran

So sorry. Not an expert, but I think it's about focusing on Sasha. Is she still enjoying life? Mostly? Is she in pain? Questions like those may help you decide.

6 years ago

pil

Veteran

I'm sorry danusia, it is SO SO hard to know what to do.
In hindsight, I waited too long in our most recent experience with our two pugs. A friend commented how much one of our pugs had slowed down. It didn't really register with me because I was with him every day and his decline was so gradual. When the time does eventually come, I second the recommendation to have the vet come to your home.
Sending you and Sasha good thoughts.

6 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I know how gut wrenching this is, and my heart goes out to you and darling Sasha. The most important thing here is quality of life and pain. If you can't sooth Sasha's pain, and she's no longer eating and getting up, she's probably telling you that she wants to let go.

Danusia, you will know when it's time. The bond between you and Sasha is that strong. I'm thinking of you, and sending much love. xo

6 years ago

Aziraphale

Veteran

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. I remember the day we made the call with our little cockapoo. For us, it was when she'd lost all interest in food and kept falling and was unable to get up.

Hugs and best wishes in this tough time. xo

6 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

This is really close to my heart. My kind vet offered his advice in evaluating/deciding about my pets, now numbering 11 and 12. He said one morning you would just know -- your dog or cat would look different, not interested or interactive with you or with Life. I'm older than you but it never gets easier. For example, one early morning my elderly and ill little kitty wasn't lifting her head or moving toward me, and I made the phone call for a late afternoon appt with the vet (but I waited too long in hindsight). Trust your instincts. Don't guard yourself against making the decision, because fundamentally it's not whether we're ready to let them go or not. It's not about us. Do not let your pet suffer -- they have complete trust in us to care for them.

6 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

This is a really tough time -- I am so very sorry. It's hard. I am sure you will know when the time has come, though. Wishing you strength and peace.

6 years ago

Anonymous

This is hard. You think you'll just know, but it isn't always so easy.

Have you explored whether pet hospice is available in your area? It is very comforting to say goodbye at home.

6 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

I am so, so sorry to hear this. As other have said, I also think you will know when it is time. Sasha will let you know. You and Sasha are in my prayers.

6 years ago

Anonymous

Had another visit to the vet on Saturday as she was throwing up again, on Friday and Saturday morning after just drinking water. She got a shot of famotidine and fluids to keep her from dehydrating. Taking Cerenia for 2 more days to help settle stomach. Aside from making her drowsy she is acting ok. Today starting her back on her regular diet. She was able to keep rice and boiled chicken down yesterday.

I am wondering if the benadryl irritated her stomach? Anyway, vet said to stop the benadryl and just continue the pepcid. She lost 1/2 pound, but hopefully will gain it back after eating again.

6 years ago

Summer

Veteran

I'm so sorry, Danusia. This is always such a painful decision to make, but the best advice I've ever heard is that it's better to act a few days early than one day too late.
You and lovely Sasha are in my thoughts.

6 years ago

Bijou

Veteran

Danusia, I am so sorry to read this thread. My westie Bijou is our 3rd westie and her big sister Dana had lymphoma, so this brings back that bittersweet time, when we went though a similar experience and spoilt her with fillet steak and all sorts of previously forbidden delights such as ice cream. All I can say is trust your instincts, when the time is right to ease Sasha's suffering, you will know. Love her and let her go when the time is right.

6 years ago

Anonymous

So it has been a month since I posted and Sasha is still hanging in there. I thought yesterday was the day as her entire ear flap was inflamed and a golfball size lump at the base of her neck. In the morning she did not want to eat. A few hours later she just had that look like she was in pain and whimpering.I gave her some tramadol for the pain. I thought I was going to have to make the call to the vet, but my DH wanted to wait and she bounced back later in the evening.

This morning I made her a scrambled egg and threw in some low fat cottage cheese. Gobbled it all up. Rice, boiled chicken, and mashed up sweet potato at noontime - excited and ate it all up. After eating just wants to sleep all the time. She has lost 1.4 pounds since May and she usually weighs around 15 lbs.

This is turning out to be a lot harder than I thought.

6 years ago