Old Dog. what to do?

[Just Duke]

My Lhasa Apso is 16 years old, blind, deaf and a huge cyst on here side the size of a golf ball that the animal hospital can't figure out.
I think I should put her down. Am I in the right?

[WILCO]

You're right Duke. It won't be easy, but you're right.

[Finster101]

It sucks, but that is what I would have to do.

[dragonrider]

Yes, ....

[Jim]

Duke, only thing I have to add is stay with her until she drifts off to sleep.

[Poygan]

Is she in pain? Because of her other medical issues, the quality of her life is certainly reduced. But I would not put her down until she is hurting. It is one of life's more lousy decisions we have to make. My sincere condolences.

[Wots]

I would.
Do the old friend a favor.
I would pay the fee first.............................

[twotoescharlie]

don't let her suffer. remember the good times.

TTC

[Bulldogger]

Assuming you don't mind paying for another vet visit, I'd take her and discuss it with the pro like any other important technical decision. I started including that as the final "any other questions Sir?" topic as my Bulldog aged well beyond average life expectancy and started slowing own.

I gave the order to put him down two weeks ago at the Vet's strong recommendation. It was time, he was listless and clearly fading fast.

Hard thing to do for sure. Ditto for the recommendations to stay tableside while the dog goes, when the time comes. I was on a business trip, I feel terrible not being able to keep my promise to the old boy by being beside him. Bad as it is, I envy you for being there with her. Wish I could have been with mine.

Focus on the good times and don't feel ashamed calling on your family and friends for emotional support as you begin the mourning process, when the time comes.

Alex (Bulldogger)

[cowboy]

Duke-
It's one of the toughest things I've been faced with, but sounds like it's come down to it. Never easy, nor something I've gotten used to.
Please be with your pet when it's time.
Sorry for what you face, but you won't regret later the fact that you were there.
cowboy

[LAcaster]

If you think its time, then its time. We all know how we would like to be treated in the same instance. Sorry for your loss, sometimes I really think its sad we can't equally live as long.

[CATS]

Duke,
It is time to do right by your pet/family member. Many of us have had to help our pets out when they no longer have any quality of life. Know that you are doing what is best for your pet.
Wait a few months and let a new puppy or kitten bring the joy back to you.
Good luck to you and yours.
CATS

[Doc Highwall]

It is tough the wife and I just buried one of our cats today named Goofy he was 14+ years old. He would sit in the chair with me while I was on Cast Boolits.

[Duckiller]

Duke does she hurt? You are going to hurt no matter when you do it. Our vet has sent a cat with cancer home with instructions to bring him back when he starts to hurt. Don't do anything to the cyst It will hurt her to remove it and won't add that much to her length of life if it is removed. You have decided that at some point she needs to be put down, do it when she starts to hurt and you feel her quality of life is deteriorating. Deepest sympathy.

[jmsj]

Duke,
This is a decision only you can make.
I have been in your shoes many times w/ dogs and horses. It has always been emotional torture deciding when it was time to put down a long time companion.
Just my opinion but if she has stopped eating or she is in pain, then it is definetly time to let her go.
You have my deepest sympathy, this is never a easy decision to make for a dear friend.
jmsj

[beanflip]

My deepest sympathy Duke.


Lost my little buddy "Peanut" 10/15/10

[Doc Highwall]

Our Children In Fur Coats. This is Goofy that I just buried. This is how he liked to lay next to me when I would be sitting in my chair. Even though the wife and I still have three cats the house seems empty with him gone. I miss him wanting to lay next to me. Time will make it better.

[Bret4207]

I've been through a lot of dogs and a few horses. I've put them down myself and via the vet. It's tough either way, but it sure beats having them suffer. I sort of wish we'd be as kind to our fellow humans, but that runs into other issues.

[shooterg]

If it comes to it, we've always had a local vet that comes out so the animal can go to sleep at home. Hard any way you cut it.

[3006guns]

Always a tough call but consider the dog's quality of life. Being listless and just waiting to die is no way to reward them for years of companionship.

It's rough.....I took my 14 year old Springer Spaniel, Russ, to the vet where he was diagnosed with a throat tumor. Could hardly breath. I gave my sad permission and sat there staring into his eyes, talking to him and petting him while the shot was administered. It was over in seconds.....but in those last few seconds I could feel him saying "Thanks Boss, you've been great". Got tears right now just thinking about it.

We still have numerous pictures of Russ in the house. A very loving and faithful friend, and we helped him when he needed it the most.