I can't do it! They are just old, not in pain?

[Katman]

Mind you, they are probably in better nic than Dad ...
[/I]

They usually are.

[badlieutenant]

its a tough call, our 19+ year old bossy cat is getting short on time we suspect. When she stops eating, pooing, telling us off and looks to be in any sort of discomfort that isn't a temporary issue we will be sending her on her way.
Its bloody hard letting go of a good mate. Loyalty can be a curse.
On the plus side (from a pets perspective) they have a continuous relationship with you their whole lives. Generally their owners don't die before them. So for them, as they get older and more vulnerable, there is always the routine and security they know. We don't get that luxury.
Good luck with making your decision, but I would get a vet to have a look first.

[PrincessBandit]

... I was full of anxiety, stress and worry all of yesterday and today until now.
After hearing your stories and concerns and most of all wise wisdom, I feel a lot better.

For what it is worth, I can look both of them in the eyes now and say we are going to the doctor tomorrow for a visit! ...
I do have to heed what the Vet recommends though. Preparing myself for the good and bad.
Mind you, they are probably in better nic than Dad ...

This is one of the things I like about kb. When we can support and help each other - regardless of whether or not someone takes suggestions on board - it's a nice feeling.
All the best for tomorrow, and while you are open minded you don't have to expect the worst. As you said, you don't have to do what the vet says. They are professional,yes, but cannot force you to do what they recommend.

[Dogboy900]

It is the hardest thing about owning pets. Like most on here I suggest that if they eat OK, can still get around, and seem happy, maybe that day is not here yet.

When the day does come I suggest you do your best to be there for the whole thing. Tough on you, but better for your pet to go with your touch rather than a strangers hands being the last thing they feel. Most vets will be pretty sympathetic and give you some time with your pet afterwards. They gave me a quiet corner to cry in with my baby and respect afterwards. (I now have one of our dogs giving me some love because writing this is making me cry)

I hope your visit tomorrow goes well.

[Akzle]

dude that sucks.

i couldn't do it that way, and if they're not suffering daily then i couldn't get it done any way.

me mum's bitch just stopped one night. had problems, but was happy enough to the end of it.

knew a guy who paid for the needle for his, wrecked him for days.



i'll shoot them for you, if they need to go...

...but i'd leave that choice to a higher, wiser power.

[Waihou Thumper]

dude that sucks.

i couldn't do it that way, and if they're not suffering daily then i couldn't get it done any way.

me mum's bitch just stopped one night. had problems, but was happy enough to the end of it.

knew a guy who paid for the needle for his, wrecked him for days.



i'll shoot them for you, if they need to go...

...but i'd leave that choice to a higher, wiser power.

Much respect, thanks....

[IkieBikie]

Put down ikie (my avatar) just over a year ago and still brings a tear to my eye just writing this. Vet gave us medicine but she didnt improve, one of the saddest weeks of our (me and hubbys) life watching her fight.

Still she knew it was time and went into hiding, stopped eating, couldnt control herself. We knew when we had to have it done but actually wish the vet didnt give us false hopes and probably prolong her suffering an extra 3 days, miserable for us and her.

Anyway what I am saying is it will be your decision when you think enough is enough and I think you knowing them for so long you will recognise when they have reached the point (our vet didn't) and while they are eating, sleeping moving and happy they will be fine (I think thirst is generally a liver problem and may not necessarily be a painful problem)

It hurts and I feel for you and wish you happiness with them (hopefully for some time yet)

[Tazz]

Family cat just got put down yesterday and is quietly awaiting a trip to Akaroa to be buried next to its kin.

Pretty sad times but death is a fact of life. Usually not a cat fan but one that brings home rabbits to show you before actually eating it and not just leaving it there is hard not to love. Also chirped rather than meowing, crazy thing.

Good luck with the dogs man. Some people hang on way too long to pets that are not enjoying life at all, eating or not, for their own benefit rather than their pets...

[Trade_nancy]

Leave them be. Please.
Our 15 yr old Golden Retriever Jenn - went down with hip disp back in 2005. Dragged her arse end around without much dignity and my wife said - it's time. I said no..6 more months and let's love her all we can and give her that last shot. We carried her from inside the house to the outside verandah so she could either sleep warm or cool - or crap. We had to bathe her to get the stench or dog urine from her coat - she had to pee and shit while lying down on the verandah. Seven months later one night in our lounge as she dragged herself along she crapped herself on our floor. Missus said - now? I said OK? Next night after a tearful visit from the vet we buried Jenn in our garden. Still talk to her as I mow the lawns. Boy I am I EVER glad I gave her more time.

[ruaphu]

Thank you. This thread and talking to you guys has given me strength. I was full of anxiety, stress and worry all of yesterday and today until now.
After hearing your stories and concerns and most of all wise wisdom, I feel a lot better.

For what it is worth, I can look both of them in the eyes now and say we are going to the doctor tomorrow for a visit!
Afterwards we will go for a swim and a run..... I do have to heed what the Vet recommends though. Preparing myself for the good and bad.
Mind you, they are probably in better nic than Dad ...

Good call call WT. All the best with the visit, will keep fingers crossed it bodes well for ya and get more time with your two bestest buddies.

Pets, the only family ya get to choose and by god they are typically the best family one could have.

Take care eh WT,

Ando


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Robbo]

I don't envy you WT as it's a hard call. I know as I've been there and done it myself. At the end of the day you have to put your emotions aside for a while and do what is best for your pets wellbeing and quality of life. You need to discuss this with your Vet as his opinion will help you with your decision. Should they end up being put down it will be a sad day for you but time is a great healer and thinking and remembering about all those good times you shared with them and all the pleasure they brought into your lives will help you through it. Good luck with what ever the outcome is.

[Swoop]

The family pooch was rather ragged. Eyes clouding over, sores and struggling to get up (most certainly in the mornings).

The vet prescribed several medications, including minor pain killers. Things became worse physically.

She still had love in her eyes and I her heart. Happy to greet me when returning home at the end of the day. Struggling to get back up the stairs, but happy to accept my suggestion of having a bit of a rest half way up, then continuing to the top.

Things were looking rather grim, up to the day the medications were thrown in to the bin. An improvement was seen, and we saw another six months of happiness with her.

The point did come when reality had to be accepted. Fifteen years was a great innings with a totally loving dog that was rescued from the pound.

[Flip]

You will know when its time. It doesent sound like it is now from your comments.

[mashman]

Each of ours was buried under a tree. Gladly I never had to dig the great danes Max's resting place. There aren't many people more qualified than you to make the decision. Won't make it any easier, but it might.

[madbikeboy]

It's not time - they're both eating and drinking. 12 isn't all that old. Please don't put them down. Please.