My cocker spaniel has a muscular wasting disease.

[Olney Blue]

I know I have to come to terms with letting him go (he is almost 15 years old), but I need a little more time.
Does anyone else have experience with this? He falls down alot, but he is still alert and loves to eat.

:cry:

[Left Is Write]

1. I'm sorry.

:(

[Olney Blue]

2. Thank you, Left.

[texanwitch]

3. I have found that a dog will let you know when the time has come.

When the time comes you will do the right thing.

I am so sorry to hear about this.:hug:

[Olney Blue]

4. I hope that is true. Right now, I am not getting that signal.

I just hope my denial is not prolonging his suffering.

[texanwitch]

13. You dog doesn't sound like like it is suffering, just enjoy the time

you have left.

[Olney Blue]

17. Yes, there are lots of hugs and snuggles going on right now.

[texanwitch]

14. You dog doesn't sound like like it is suffering, just enjoy the time

you have left.

[Radio_Lady]

5. Oh, Olney, my heart goes out to you. Our little Cocker Buffy expired at

age 14. At her last exam, the doctor told us her heart sounded "like an old, noisy washing machine." She lived a good life.

Is your cocker in pain? If so, I'd help him go. Only had to do it once with my Boston Terrier Dolly. She had breast cancer, and the surgery failed. She came over to me and lay down at my feet, with bandages all over her tummy. She kept looking up at me and whenever I moved, she moved to be near me. That went on all day, while I tried to encourage her to take the medication she had been given. The next day, I called the vet and he gave her a final injection.

Really, it's the best way to go. If I could sign up for that kind of death myself, I would.

In peace,

Radio_Lady

[Olney Blue]

6. Thank you, Radio Lady. You sound like a loving "mom" to your pets.

My dog doesn't seem to be in pain- the vet did several tests and said he wasn't.
The question, I suppose, is regarding his quality of life. Yesterday morning, I found him collapsed in
his feces- he couldn't get up because of his weak hind limbs.

I have been carrying him in and out of the house and he can walk a little. I don't think he is in pain-
that is why I am struggling about what to do.

[Radio_Lady]

9. Not a good scenario for either of you. Do you have anyone close

to you to discuss this with? A relative, friend, or someone at the local humane society? Even a fellow church goer or perhaps a friend at work?

I know there are several pet bereavement groups here in Portland -- but not sure if they exist where you are.

I wish I could give you a hug and tell you that I've been where you are now -- but when the prognosis is so difficult, it is time for you to help make this decision.

We're here for you.

In peace,

Radio_Lady in Portland

[Olney Blue]

11. My husband and I are empty-nesters...

and my husband is disabled. He is not taking this well because he adores our dog.
It is difficult in so many ways....

It has been helpful to talk about this on DU tonight. I am going to see a friend tomorrow
and she will be very supportive. Thank you for the kind words.

[RevCheesehead]

7. Sweetie -

Just want you to know I'm here for ya, anytime you need to talk. I'm only a PM away. :hug:

[Olney Blue]

8. Thank you, Rev.

I really appreciate that.

[xchrom]

10. for your wonderful companion...

A DOG'S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

Author Unknown



i think your little one will know when the time is right.

[Radio_Lady]

12. What a beautiful prayer! Thank you so much for posting it today.

[Olney Blue]

18. Thank you, xchrom.

I will definitely keep those thoughts in mind.

[borlis]

23. What a beautiful prayer!

I wish I had a copy of this with me last week when I took my cat to the vet. I was sitting in the waiting room when a man came in with his yellow Lab. I could tell by looking that the dog was not doing very well. He was able to walk on his own, but had a tumor on his side the size of a tennis ball. The man told the receptionist that he was there to have the dog put to sleep. A technician came out to take the dog from him. He bent down and said "So long buddy." Then he turned around and left. I just can't believe that he didn't stay with the poor dog. :mad:

[flvegan]

15. Your vet may have some options for you.

Not to prolong his life for your sake, but because his muscles are failing but his inner will isn't. If he's healthy otherwise, you might consider asking your vet.

[Olney Blue]

19. Yes, I explored those options with her. There is not much I can

do except to keep him as comfortable as possible.

Thank you for your advice. He does have a strong inner will.

[Haole Girl]

16. How sad...those are the cutest little dogs.

Hugs...:hug:

[Olney Blue]

20. Thank you, KC2.

I have always told him he is the most beautiful dog in the universe :)

[zonkers]

21. Do what I did w/ my old guy. Take him on a tour of his greatest places...

his fave dog park, a drive through burger joint, to your friends (canine and human) that like him a lot.

If he is not in pain, let him hang on. I have an old gal right now who is almost 15 also. She's blind and deaf with a gillion things wrong. She's on heart meds, sleeps too long (often due to deafness, so I wake her up often). And boy, thank goodness I have tile because she does have accidents.

Vet wrote her off two years ago but hey, dont tell her its time to go! She is in a state of innocent bliss, she barks for her food, likes her ears scratched and loves baths She is babied to the max.

Also, not trying to give you false hope but keep your ears open for any experimental therapy that might buy her some more time. You'd be suprised.

Anyway, when the bad days outnumber his good days, it might be time to say goodbye. And hate to bring this up but in case you didnt know, when its time to say goodbye, there is no need to take him into the vet... sometimes there is someone who can come to your house or go with you guys to the beach or wherever.

Find comfort in the fact that your pooch defied the odds and lived a long rich life so far. You are a good mommy/daddy.

[Olney Blue]

22. Thank you, zonkers. I appreciate your post so much.

[radwriter0555]

25. What a sweet way to pass the last days with your best furry pal.... there

is nothing nicer than making their passage as easy and gentle and pleasurable as possible. They give us so much and ask for nothing in return.

My friend tells me the story of their old dog who's time was finally there. They scheduled to take the suffering old thing to the vet and on the way, gave him a big hershey's chocolate bar. I can imagine his sheer bliss noshing that thing down in his last moments. I bet he thought he was already in heaven.

So I've decided that when it's time for my girls that that too will be their last treat... a nice, big, gooey chocolate bar. What a way to go!

[Olney Blue]

26. Considering that he would use every trick in the book to get to

chocolate, that is definitely going to be his reward!

[borlis]

24. So sorry to hear that.

I have no advice for you except to enjoy your remaining time with him, however long it may be. :hug:

[Random_Australian]

27. With dogs? Fraid not and sorry for it. For humans, sure do.

[Olney Blue]

30. The brain functions perfectly, but the body just wears out.

I'm sorry you have human experience with this. :hug:

[ThomCat]

28. I'm very sorry.

:hug:

I hope he isn't hurting himself when he falls. I hope it isn't painful.

[NewWaveChick1981]

29. I am so sorry, Olney...

:hug: :hug: It hurts so much to see a beloved pet go through something like that. :hug: For your sake and for his, if it appears he is starting to suffer, it is best to find it in your heart to let go. I have been through many rounds of pet loss, and I have had to make heartbreaking decisions. Your vet can give you advice.

My heart goes out to you and your little cocker spaniel. :pals: