Snowie

[M.F.]

Yesterday my friend said to me, “I’m saying this as your friend: You need to talk to your vet about Snowie.” Meaning, it’s Snowie’s time.

I was so upset but I avoided being defensive because I felt I needed to hear someone else’s perspective. She said, “He’s looking heavy when he walks. Not happy. Full of scabs, his skin is so bad, he’s falling apart.”

I actually thought he was very happy on our walk in a beautiful park yesterday. Her Lab and Snowie are good friends. His tail wagged. He sniffed and marked.

We’d spent the previous weekend with her at their house in the country. She said having seen him the whole weekend and how much effort it takes to keep him going, she felt it wasn’t a life.

I cried all the way home.

My husband was outraged. He’s just old, he said. It’s normal to slow down. You don’t put a dog down just because he’s old. You take care of him.

It all feels so abrupt. And depressing.

Here is Snowie enjoying an ice cream yesterday. I was barely holding it (my emotions) together.



Soon after this pic was taken, he chomped the entire thing in one go!


Barking for more!

 

[Granca]

Barking for more!

It’s lovely to see him enjoying his ice cream.

 

[Lab_adore]

Oh Marilyn don't listen to anyone else, as well-meaning as they are. You and your hubby will know, only you

 

[Jacqui-S]

Its so hard, sending hugs
I don't know how you make that decision, I really hope we do "just know".

 

[Atemas]

I really hope we do "just know".

I didn’t understand this until the time came for Sky. F who has had dogs almost all his life had been telling me for a while to prepare myself. Then one morning, we were watching her in the garden and we both said it was time. @M.F. - Snowie is your dog and it’s you and your OH that will make that decision

 

[Stacia]

@M.F. I can understand your friend, I had that with Rourke but we know when the time is. Looking at Snowie in the photos he looked fine to me, elderly but happy. Thinking of you and Rourke's twin Snowie.

 

[edzbird]

My husband was outraged. He’s just old, he said. It’s normal to slow down. You don’t put a dog down just because he’s old. You take care of him.

Your husband was absolutely spot on with this.
You will know when it's time. Between Snowie and you, you'll know.

 

[Loraseal]

I also think, when you will know, you will know. I think the eyes are their souls and Snowie's seems very happy. Yes he is old but you know Snowie the best. X

 

[kateincornwall]

Snowie is your dog and any decision is yours and no one elses to make or even hint at . I remember with clarity that when we had to say a very sad farewell to Sam , I just knew and so did he, the joy had gone. xxx

 

[Joy]

I feel quite indignant on your behalf! If Snowie is still enjoying food and treats (love the ice cream pic) and a gentle amble then he has some quality of life. xx

 

[Cath]

He is your dog, not your friends. You love him and will always do whats best for him.
Like the others say you will know when it is time. When it was my darling boy Robbie's time, I called the vet and she
came to our home. That was right for Robbie. You will do whats right for Snowie when his time comes

 

[JES72]

The hardest part about owning a dog is knowing that the inevitable will happen. We give them the best lives we can for as long as we can then eventually it’s time to say goodbye. The goodbye will always feel like it’s come too soon, some sadly sooner than others. It’s a very personal journey between you and Snowie and your vet.

 

[MellowYellow]

Gosh, I don't think it was your friend's place to say that! She could have hinted at it in a much more discreet way; I'm not surprised you were upset and cried! Snowy looks happy, and I agree with the others, you will know when he's had enough.

 

[Kelsey]

I would have been incredibly upset with your friend’s comment too. Snowie looks happy and bright, his posturing isn’t sad… you’ll know when the time is right, trust your instincts

 

[Hollysdad]

We've always found that our dogs tell us when its time. Until then our lives together (including ice creams, beds, sofas ...) are to be shared and enjoyed.

 

[MrChew]

I think if he's still finding joy in life, which he clearly is, and you are accommodating his needs as an old dog then that comment was quite insensitive.

You and your husband know him best.

 

[Beanwood]

Snowie!!! Just look at him, a day out, with his besties, eating ice-cream, goofy but happy expression! Just thank you for sharing. It is difficult, especially when we share the hard times with our friends, then they offer advice in a caring way, but completely the wrong time, and actually not the most helpful. Enjoy being in the moment with Snowie, you both deserve it.

 

[M.F.]

Thank you everyone for your kind and caring words. It has been an emotional few days. I have my nephew’s wedding soon (overseas), and I’ve been putting off booking my ticket because I was so worried about Snowie.

Last night my sister-in-law was telling us about her dad—a retired vet—who put off taking their family dog (standard poodle) to the vet when it was time, just didn’t have the courage. The poodle died 3 days later, without intervention. It was a massive relief for her dad. It made me feel more supported knowing that a vet can have the same feelings.

My fear is letting Snowie suffer because we don’t have the courage.

Today my husband and I decided we’d ask our vet for all the meds needed to give Snowie the best final time of his life, however long that will be. No more worrying if this drug or that will affect his liver or kidneys. Just let him feel great. We think he could do with anti-inflammatories for his skin. He’s on a monthly Cytopoint injection for itchiness, but his skin is still not great and his paws and ears are terrible (I do use a cortisone ear spray).

I gave him a thorough bath today (got rid of a lot of the scabs on his head and ears) and a blowdry. Ears were thoroughly cleaned, too. (This is a weekly thing we do.) And then we went to the market and he was so happy to meet the other dogs there and have toddlers and kids petting him (they love his socks, say he’s very cute!). He is much slower and now people say things like: “Aw an oldie.” “These are bonus years.” But when we got back to the car, he leapt into the car unassisted (I usually have to catch his bum and help him in).

 

[edzbird]

But when we got back to the car, he leapt into the car unassisted

Love this.

 

[MellowYellow]

See, he had a lovely time at the market with you, meeting other dogs and children there! It sounds like a grand time was had by all. And I agree about the medication - we've come to much the same conclusion with Poppy.