Dog Community

i need advice

Posted : 1/19/2007 3:55:00 AM

I have a

uppy with megaesophagus that is almost a year old, her condition has not improved. I am going to college and i will soon be going getting a job on top of that. I dont really have the money to get her fixed if she gets pneumonia, she is underweight as it is. I was wondering if it is better to keep her around or if i should put her tosleep. i love her to death and it would kill me to do it, but i dont know if i will have the time for such a high maintenance dog, she needs to be fed throughout the day, my fiance is in the military so a lot of the time it would be just me taking care of her. i know it sounds almost like i am throwing her away for being sick, but i dont want to see her get worse and me not be able to fix her. we are going to be moving into an apartment too. some people are telling me that because she is such an awesome dog to keep her, but then again there is the practicality of it, there is the can i keep her healthy. if it doesnt work out, i dont want to have to put her ddown because she has pneumonia and is on her last limb and it is my fault. but anyhow, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

forpaws

Posted : 1/19/2007 6:20:13 AM

I'm sorry you are going through such a hard time with your fur baby. I really don't have much advice for you other than only you know your situation best, only you know what your dog is going through, and only you know what the prognosis can be. You have to look at quantity of life, quality of life. Is it fair to her? Is it fair to you?
Sometimes it is one of the hardest decisions to make, especially when they are so young, is to lay them to rest and put them out of their misiry.
Would finding her the right home, who is willing to take on a dog with health problems an option here?
I don't really know what to tell you other than follow your heart.
I'll pray for you to find the answer to your question, and give you strength to follow your heart.
Hugs
Angel

glenmar

Posted : 1/19/2007 6:20:13 AM

I don't see those as your only options. The third would be to find her a good and loving forever home with folks who are fully aware of her health problems but willing to love and care for her regardless. This is precisely the sort of thing that people should look at BEFORE they get a dog. Can I afford the care this pup *might* need a year, or 5 or 15 from now.....

Sherrie Porter

Posted : 1/19/2007 11:12:31 AM

I agree it's at least worth a shot to try and find her a better home. But I would also look at her quality of life. If she is slowly starving to death and there is no hope for improvement, then maybe you should help her end the suffering. Like forpaws said, you know your situation better than anyone. I'm sending thoughts and prayers your way to help you make this difficult decision. Follow your heart, look into her eyes and the answer will come. Good luck.

SheSabre

Posted : 1/20/2007 12:20:09 PM

I agree with glenmar, there's a good possibility that you could find her a great home with a family that is willing and financially capable of doing whatever is necessary to ensure not only the quantity but also the quality of the pup's life, she's only a year old and I believe that there would be someone that would want her. It might not be easy but both of you will be alot happier in the end. [

] I will remember you both in my prayers and will be wishing you the best of luck in finding a loving family for your little furbaby. [sm=angel.gif]

M.W.Lewis

Posted : 1/20/2007 2:34:10 PM

Maybe you could contact the people from the Bailey Chair and Mega E group also for advice about placement. I am aware of two Mega E dogs who are thriving thanks to the bailey chair but it all still takes time and devotion. These people may be able to direct you to a rescue. If you need, I can put you in touch with an owner of a Mega E dog who is doing beautifully now. It's a rough road and many Mega E dogs were euthanized (and still are). However there seems to be a growing number of people who are able to care for them now.
BTW, you can make a Bailey Chair or have one made.

Here's the link to the Mega E group and the photos of dogs in their Bailey Chairs:

[linkhttp://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/megaesophagus/]http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/megaesophagus/[/link]

The photos are on this page (many breeds and all sizes):

[linkhttp://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/Page2]http://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/Page2[/link]

main page of the above link:

[linkhttp://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/]http://www.geocities.com/bailey_chair/[/link]

dvet

Posted : 1/20/2007 9:53:37 PM

havn;t read all the post so this may be a repeat...it often helps to feed the dog several times a day and put the food dish at least as high as the head, ie where the dog does not stoopl to eat...about the same process as the chair...its not a perfect solution but i have had do pretty good for several years...you can forget and put the dish on the floor and you do not let the dog go out and romp after feeding

dvet

Posted : 1/20/2007 9:55:04 PM

you can forget

THIS SHOULD READ YOU CANNOT FORGET< NOT EVEN ONCE

nyiceprincess

Posted : 1/21/2007 2:15:52 PM

What breed is your dog? Perhaps we can find a rescue organization that may be able to help you.What state/area are you in?