Sheba is over 15 and getting worse with getting up - her back legs are going, and she's also having bowel movements without even knowing. I know what the possible causes are, and that the vet could likely tell me which it is. But she HATES going to the vet. It's torture for her. I'm not sure I want to put her through that. I'm thinking when the time comes, I'll call the mobile vet to come to the house to not traumatize her. I'm not ready to put her down - she's still happy enough, and I think she probably has a few good months left. I bought her doggie aspirin for the pain, and we help her up, and I got her traction socks so she doesn't slip and slide on the floor, causing more pain.
Am I horrible not to take her? It's not money, I pay a monthly fee, and my vet visits are free. But when we take her, we literally have to drag her in and she looks terrified. And I really don't know how much time the vet can buy her, anyway, with how old she is.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Sheba is over 15 and getting worse with getting up - her back legs are going, and she's also having bowel movements without even knowing. I know what the possible causes are, and that the vet could likely tell me which it is. But she HATES going to the vet. It's torture for her. I'm not sure I want to put her through that. I'm thinking when the time comes, I'll call the mobile vet to come to the house to not traumatize her. I'm not ready to put her down - she's still happy enough, and I think she probably has a few good months left. I bought her doggie aspirin for the pain, and we help her up, and I got her traction socks so she doesn't slip and slide on the floor, causing more pain.
Am I horrible not to take her? It's not money, I pay a monthly fee, and my vet visits are free. But when we take her, we literally have to drag her in and she looks terrified. And I really don't know how much time the vet can buy her, anyway, with how old she is.
I think you're doing the right thing, LL.
When the time comes, you'll know. And the mobile Vet sounds like the kind way to go.
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
Thanks. I'm really feeling guilty for not taking her, but why should she have to go through that in her last months? She's due for her annual, too, but what is the point of that? She doesn't go outside anymore except for leashed walks, so she can't really get into anything. She has had all her shots up to now, and we won't be able to leave her anywhere or go to a kennel at all b/c she requires too much care.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
Sounds like the right choice to me. You could call the vet and explain, and see if they have any other recommendations to keep her happy and comfortable without going in. If it would make you feel better.
Sounds like the right choice to me. You could call the vet and explain, and see if they have any other recommendations to keep her happy and comfortable without going in. If it would make you feel better.
The only thing I have to add, is start talking to the kids now about the situation. Prepare them as gently as you can for what is to come. They should know that she isn't feeling well, that she is in some pain that can't be fixed, she is getting older... They need to start working through this on their own, in their own time, before it happens.
But I am betting you have already done that.
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Out of all the lies I have told, "just kidding" is my favorite !
I think you are doing the right thing too. Talk to your vet or do some research on pain reliever. I seem to remember there was one that you aren't supposed to give dogs but can't remember which it is.
The only thing I have to add, is start talking to the kids now about the situation. Prepare them as gently as you can for what is to come. They should know that she isn't feeling well, that she is in some pain that can't be fixed, she is getting older... They need to start working through this on their own, in their own time, before it happens.
But I am betting you have already done that.
Yes. They are as prepared as they can be. We all are.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
I think you are doing the right thing. It's hard to know when emotion clouds your normally decisive and logical thought process. If you keep her home, all her last moments will be in comfortable surroundings and her only stress will be any pain.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
I think you are doing the right thing. It's hard to know when emotion clouds your normally decisive and logical thought process. If you keep her home, all her last moments will be in comfortable surroundings and her only stress will be any pain.
This, and this is how I want to do it myself if necessary. And you all know by now how I feel about dogs. {{Sheba}}
Sheba has had a great life with you.
Now is the time to gently let her go.
Are you comfortable with the Mobil Vet being the one to put her down when the time comes?
The doggie aspirin and the non-slip socks will help make her comfortable.
I hate seeing people put their pets through tests, procedures, etc., all so they can prolong her misery to alleviate some self-imposed guilt derived from another part of their life. Like when people take their pets to the store, etc. I mean, what does the pet get out of it? They'd much rather be running around in the grass somewhere catching frisbees or balls or chasing rabbits rather than be tethered to a lamp post while their master runs in and picks up groceries.
You are doing the right thing. Take care of her pain, and let her be happy at home with the companionship of people she trusts.
Sheba has had a great life with you. Now is the time to gently let her go. Are you comfortable with the Mobil Vet being the one to put her down when the time comes? The doggie aspirin and the non-slip socks will help make her comfortable.
Hugs to you, your family, and Sheba.
I've actually met her a few time. Her daughter goes to the same school as my kids.
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LawyerLady
I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.
