when is it time? - Page 3

They tell you.

It could be a little thing but when it happens you'll know for certain, no matter the time or place.  A dog forum I know but I had a cat who was very much *my* cat.  He couldn't stand to be around anyone else, especially my young son who was just too much for my furry friend's nerves.  For awhile I knew the time was coming but one morning, getting ready for work my son ran to the kitchen, leaping over this cat who would not let anyone else near him for his 12 years and I knew in that moment, it was time.

When he didn't move, didn't react, didn't give that look of 'ew a human not Mom on my planet'; just lay there quietly as if a bouncy 5 year old hadn't just hurdled over him...

I was late to work that day because I immediately made the call, there was no way I would leave him to suffer a moment more.

susanandthek9s
Thanks for the suggestion, I'll ask my vet - maybe she can be kept pain free for the holidays and then we will decide.

I am very sorry to hear about Mattie. As stated above, you will know it is time. It is a heartbreaking decision, but in the end it is comforting to know that we have the ability to let them go with dignity.  Her quality of life is foremost, if it is no longer there, it is time.

Almost 3 years ago Reno past away.  She was not quite 14.  I struggled with the decision to put her to sleep for over six months.  I scheduled several appointments only to cancel because she was up and seeming to have a good day.  She had difficulty walking, arthritus on medicam for the last year of her life.  She would only eat by my hand at the end.  I truly regret cancelling those appointments as she passed away in her sleep one afternoon when I was not home.  I should have been with her.  She was a miracle dog, only given six months to live at age 8, but outlived expectations.  She deserved better from me.  Tuesday Libby my 8.5 year old goes in for surgery to remove a growth on her hip.  Hopefully my christmas present will be that the biopsy comes back - benign, hower, if not, I will not wait like I did for Reno.

This truly is the most difficult part of dog ownership, however like said above, when we are keeping them alive for our own needs, instead of their own happiness and qulity of life, then it is time.

May we all of the strength and courage to do what is best for our friend when it is time.

Cheryl