Molly

[Emily_Babbelhund]

I’m so sorry to hear you are facing this with Molly. It seems like a wave lately of our beloved forum dogs. I know that’s just what we all face with our pups, but knowing that sure as heck doesn’t make it easier - the opposite. My heart hurts for you and sweet Molly. I hope you’ll know when it’s time and can be at peace when that time comes, though again, that doesn’t make it any easier at all.

 

[Atemas]

that we would know when the time was right - you will know that

The "you know when it's time" thing i don't think is always clear when your dog is in a slow decline like this.

I’m sorry @Joy I made that comment. I have only had one experience so it was a sweeping generalisation. I can only send ‘s and I am thinking of you

 

[Jacqui-S]

@Atemas everyone says it you shouldn't apologise.
I just felt so full of uncertainty about it, you should not feel bad at saying this at all.
It was @M.F. writing about Snowie (what her vet told her, sorry can't link just now) that helped me.
Its the hardest thing @Joy

Edited to add M.F. advice
He said there are four things to use as guidance:
1. Is the dog eating? Although with Labradors, they continue eating two days after they’ve died! (He likes to joke!)
2. Can they get up by themselves? Especially when they need to wee and poo; lying in wee and poo is a red flag.
3. Are they engaging with their humans and surroundings? He said the way Snowie engages, it’s definitely not his time.
4. Do they have signs of dementia? Barking aimlessly, crying, can’t settle. He said dementia is a very sad state for a dog, and terrible to leave them in it.

He said that once a dog lives older than 13 years old, he considers them “long livers”. The difficulty is that they most likely won’t get a serious disease (like cancer or a ruptured spleen) that will ease the decision. Rather, they will slowly deteriorate and the difficult decision will be ours.

It was very useful having this discussion with him

 

[Selina27]

My thoughts are with you @Joy

 

[Joy]

@Atemas That's quite all right, you don't need to apologise. @Jacqui-S Thank you for your understanding comments - I hope it's not bringing back too many sad memories. Thanks too for the advice from @M.F. 's vet which I read when it was posted but had forgotten about.

Today I'm even less certain we've reached the end. Molly is definitely mentally alert: she is acutely aware when it's mealtimes or kong time, she barks when she sees a cat in the garden as she has always done but isn't randomly barking, she is still picking up a toy or slipper now and then. She can get up to go out to toilet and can get in the car (back seat) with the help of a platform step. She doesn't now want to walk more than a few yards (though yesterday she chose to walk about 50 yards, had a lie down and then walked back to the car.) Indoors she mostly lies down and sleeps (she still chooses to get on the settee).
The newest lump on her leg is ulcerated and looks nasty but I'm hoping the antibiotics will clear the infection.

My last dog died very peacefully in his sleep as did one of my mum's dogs years ago, so I'm hoping for the same thing.

 

[kateincornwall]

So pleased to read your update on dear Molly xx Oh wouldnt it be so lovely if our dogs slipped away gently in their sleep and took away the awful decision . My thoughts are with you, Joy xxx

 

[Cath]

Edited to add M.F. advice
He said there are four things to use as guidance:
1. Is the dog eating? Although with Labradors, they continue eating two days after they’ve died! (He likes to joke!)
2. Can they get up by themselves? Especially when they need to wee and poo; lying in wee and poo is a red flag.
3. Are they engaging with their humans and surroundings? He said the way Snowie engages, it’s definitely not his time.
4. Do they have signs of dementia? Barking aimlessly, crying, can’t settle. He said dementia is a very sad state for a dog, and terrible to leave them in it.

He said that once a dog lives older than 13 years old, he considers them “long livers”. The difficulty is that they most likely won’t get a serious disease (like cancer or a ruptured spleen) that will ease the decision. Rather, they will slowly deteriorate and the difficult decision will be ours.

It was very useful having this discussion with him

What a kind and understanding vet. I wish all were like him.

I am thinking of you @Joy and Molly

 

[Selina27]

wouldnt it be so lovely if our dogs slipped away gently in their sleep and took away the awful decision .

It would xx

 

[MellowYellow]

Oh Joy, I do so understand what you are going through. It is very sad, and difficult. Those four points from M.F.'s post are really helping us at present, and like you we don't think Poppy's time is yet come. Sending you my thoughts and wishing you strength.

 

[Natalie]

Just to say I know how very, very difficult this is and thinking of you @Joy, also @Karen too. xx