Jacqui-S
Moderator
- Location
- Fife, Scotland
Sky
- Thread starter Atemas
- Start date
- Location
- Cornwall , UK
So very sorry Alison . Unfortunately I have had to make that awful decision several times , it is very hard indeed .
I truly do understand how you are feeling , but one thing I did was to keep a record , a sort of diary , noting good times and bad , it did help . Sending love and hugs at this difficult time x
I truly do understand how you are feeling , but one thing I did was to keep a record , a sort of diary , noting good times and bad , it did help . Sending love and hugs at this difficult time x
I'm sorry Alison we all I think understand and appreciate the way you feel. I used a scoring system I found on a dog euthanasia site. I went through it once s week and it helped me access and see what was happening with my dogs. It might seem cold to some but helped me see the deteriation and what things were good with my dogs. Because it was a tick list it helped me not get too upset about the situation. I'm sad for you but know you will do what's best for Sky. Lots of love XXX
- Location
- Argyll & Bute, Scotland
So very sorry Alison, it's just heartbreaking for you all. I haven't had to make this decision but I am sure you will know in your heart so trust it xxxx 
and this is for Sky xx
and this is for Sky xx
- Location
- Sydney, Australia
It is absolutely heartbreaking. Many hugs from us too
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
Thank you everyone for your kind words - you know it means a lot to me. I am not going to go into all the things I see with her. I feel really bad talking about her in this way but also can’t ignore what is happening. A diary is a good idea and will help any decisions. It’s all a huge responsibility but I accept part and parcel of caring for a living creature.
- Location
- Herefordshire, UK
Many hugs Alison xxx
- Location
- Vlaardingen, the Netherlands
I have had to make this decision twice. And even afterwards comes the doubt if it was the right time.....Our first lab Doerak was the same as Sky. She was 14,5 years old. Your story with Sky reminds me of her....Thinking of you!!!
- Location
- Essex, U.K.
Thinking of you both and the torment you must be going through, it must be so hard to choose the right time, I've not had to make this decision myself but it makes me cry just to think about it, sending hugs x
- Location
- Andorra and Spain
I am lucky that I have not had to make the decision yet, although my parents did for each of our family dogs. So take what I say with a generous pinch of “she doesn’t know what she’s talking about”.
Having the dogs I do, there is no doubt in my mind that depression, fear, and anxiety are far more distressing than physical pain and discomfort.
When you look at people suffering from dementia and the like, the worst part of it is when they are afraid. It’s not when they don’t remember their family members, or become uncommunicative; that is hard in the family, for sure, but it’s not the thing that affects the patient’s quality of life as dramatically as when they are fearful. Especially when they are unable to effectively communicate that fear.
I think it’s the same for our dogs. It’s hard on us to see the degeneration, but I really think that their state of mind is key. There is a world of difference between “off with the fairies but content” and “present but fearful”, and a whole spectrum in between.
My thoughts are with you; it's a decision we all dread having to make.
Having the dogs I do, there is no doubt in my mind that depression, fear, and anxiety are far more distressing than physical pain and discomfort.
When you look at people suffering from dementia and the like, the worst part of it is when they are afraid. It’s not when they don’t remember their family members, or become uncommunicative; that is hard in the family, for sure, but it’s not the thing that affects the patient’s quality of life as dramatically as when they are fearful. Especially when they are unable to effectively communicate that fear.
I think it’s the same for our dogs. It’s hard on us to see the degeneration, but I really think that their state of mind is key. There is a world of difference between “off with the fairies but content” and “present but fearful”, and a whole spectrum in between.
My thoughts are with you; it's a decision we all dread having to make.
- Location
- The Hague, The Netherlands
My thoughts are with you.
We all understand that it is the conversation you don't want to have.
I think the diary will help.
So sorry that you are going through all this agony.
Lots of hugs.
X
We all understand that it is the conversation you don't want to have.
I think the diary will help.
So sorry that you are going through all this agony.
Lots of hugs.
X
- Location
- East Sussex
I'm so sorry - I know how difficult it is. Thinking of you. x
Lisa
Moderator
- Location
- Alberta, Canada
Sending hugs at this difficult time. It’s a decision only you and your family can make. We are all here to support you.
It’s a decision only you and your family can make. We are all here to support you.
Atemas
UK Tour Guide
- Location
- North Cambridgeshire
I have been quiet this week, trying to spend as much time with my girl when I can. It’s been a good week! I got home at lunchtime the other day and F was at the door with both dogs waiting to go out. He said Sky had gone to the front door as he got ready to take Red out. Normally there is no response from her. Anyway, he asked if I go with them as he does a couple of miles normally. The sun 
was shining and we got as far as the bench on the road to the wood. She started off walking really well. F and R carried on and Sky and me just rested by the bench before plodding back home. I can’t remember the last time she has wanted to walk at lunchtime. Then the other night she instigated play with F and R. It was extraordinary to watch her and she was so happy. My eldest grandson was here yesterday and she was wanting to be near him. It’s all bizarre to how she has been. Quite a transformatio. It‘s not medication - I only did the increased Tramadol for a couple of days - I think she’s better on just 2 a day.
So this presents me with a dilemma. We are away in a few weeks (planned months and months ago). Both dogs will be together at the kennels - kennels are happy to have her and at no time have said they are not. They were concerned in June when she stopped eating (and we had to go and get her) but she was not with Red. My main concern is the anxiety she gets on going in the car there (or anywhere now). Even with Red with her, it’s a problem. We will not be able to just return if there is a problem (they will be in the kennels 7 nights). My daughter who is always the emergency contact is away too. I go from thinking she will be ok to thinking the worst. The kennels do take elderly dogs so I know she is in good hands and I am sure Red will help her. I have bought some YuCalm tablets for her but am wondering if I should ask the vet to prescribe something stronger (they had suggested medication in response to her agitation when we visited the week before last). Want to do the best and certainly it has been quite miraculous seeing her so happy this week
was shining and we got as far as the bench on the road to the wood. She started off walking really well. F and R carried on and Sky and me just rested by the bench before plodding back home. I can’t remember the last time she has wanted to walk at lunchtime. Then the other night she instigated play with F and R. It was extraordinary to watch her and she was so happy. My eldest grandson was here yesterday and she was wanting to be near him. It’s all bizarre to how she has been. Quite a transformatio. It‘s not medication - I only did the increased Tramadol for a couple of days - I think she’s better on just 2 a day.So this presents me with a dilemma. We are away in a few weeks (planned months and months ago). Both dogs will be together at the kennels - kennels are happy to have her and at no time have said they are not. They were concerned in June when she stopped eating (and we had to go and get her) but she was not with Red. My main concern is the anxiety she gets on going in the car there (or anywhere now). Even with Red with her, it’s a problem. We will not be able to just return if there is a problem (they will be in the kennels 7 nights). My daughter who is always the emergency contact is away too. I go from thinking she will be ok to thinking the worst. The kennels do take elderly dogs so I know she is in good hands and I am sure Red will help her. I have bought some YuCalm tablets for her but am wondering if I should ask the vet to prescribe something stronger (they had suggested medication in response to her agitation when we visited the week before last). Want to do the best and certainly it has been quite miraculous seeing her so happy this week