Pets

[leedswolf]

So sad to read your post LJ. That's shit bud.

 

[darlowolf64]

Really sorry to hear Warren, that's awful

 

[lemonjelly]

Thanks to everyone for the comments. The impact surprised me a little, but the compassion of others is the nicest comfort blanket.

 

[Alan]

Been trying to hold it together all day, and am not sure how well I am succeeding. (amendment, after getting halfway through typing this the floodgates opened and I realised I am not!)

We took in our dog from stepdaughter,. Stepdaughter had rescued her from an owner who didn't care, and borderline neglected the poor thing. Stepdaughter had her for 6-7 years, but then with a new job and new child wasn't able to give the dog the care and attention she needed, so we agreed to take her.
She was always exceptionally friendly, and good heavens she'd follow me round all bloody day. I couldn't even go for a crap on my own! She was an american fox terrier, and was no trouble really. Never aggressive, rarely disturbed our sleep or anything.
She loved it here - we've a decent garden and she was out there with me a lot, and loved basking in the sun. We went on a lot of long walks together, and made a fair few friends on the way.

Over the past year or 2, we've watched her start struggling. Her eyes were going, and she'd bump into stuff (even the bloody car!). Her skin was getting very bad, and that must've been horrible for her. We tried everything - different foods, creams, shampoos, the lot. Vets had no clue, initially suspecting something with her digestive system. Her hearing was going. She was clearly getting on, as was getting greyer.

Her personality was changing - she was no longer excited to see us, and started sleeping a lot more. She didn't follow us around anymore. She seemed to be using her sense of smell a lot more too. Apparently, these are signs of dementia in a dog.

We realised her quality of life was worsening every day, and decided to do what we felt was the compassionate thing. To the last minute I was hoping the vet would suggest a simple cure, but actually suggested her health was quite bad.

I've never described myself as an animal/pet person, but fuck me I miss her already. The rational part of me knows the decision was right, but the other part(s) of me doesn't accept that at the moment.

Been through this a few times; to me it hurt every bit as much as when my grandparents passed. Our pets are so important; they’re family.

You made the right decision for her and, I think, for you. As you say, noticing the change in behavior and seeing that unmistakable look of things not being quite right in their eyes is unbelievably torturous.

You gave her the life she deserved, mate. You took her in from a life of suffering and gave her comfort and love. And when the time came, you gave her a passing with dignity.

Take care, bud. You have every right to grieve.

 

[Hereford Wolf]

It’s the hardest thing to do, even though you know it is the right thing to do.

All you can do is give them their best life. If you have done that, then you have done all you can.

It breaks my heart every time.

 

[Sniffer]

I’ll also pass on my condolences LJ. Like many others on here have expressed, the experience is never a pleasant one but is ultimately the kindest thing given the circumstances.

It’s a debate for another day but in my opinion it can be a more dignified parting than human end of life care can be.