Dog Community

I may lose Shari soon........

Posted : 6/12/2006 8:40:27 AM

I'm not 100 % certain, but I don't think Shari has a lot of time left. Since March, we have had several episodes of diarrhea that seem to happen for no reason. I haven't switched food, she's been off Deramaxx for 4 months. She has severe arthritis in her lower spine and it's worsening. She's had some difficulty making it outside for #2, but yesterday she peed on herself twice in the house while she was sleeping, and then just laid in it as if she didn't know what happened. About two weeks ago I noticed she was more reluctant to go outside and her walks are only a block most mornings. Her left rear foot has been giving her quite a bit of trouble - it is swollen and she obviously favors it. I know she hurts. I've had her at the vet and they loaned me a support harness for her rear end. I told them I can't give her the painkillers because they make her sick. I do massage her as long as she lets me, though just brush up against her lightly causes her to flinch. She still eats, but can't stand at the bowl long very long because her back end gives out. She has an elevated dish, but mostly I put her food on a small plate so she can eat while she's laying down.

I've always said that once she starts peeing and pooping on herself, that it would be time to let her go. I think we're getting close and it's a lot harder to be certain. Like many of you, I'm afraid that I'll send her to the Bridge too soon. I mean, if I'm old and have some minor health issues, it doesn't necessarily mean I should be pts. Why would I do that to her? Then I look at her quality of life and don't want her to suffer more. As I said, she still eats and drinks, walks a little, gives me her smarty-pants WOOF, and thinks if she gets to lick the cats' plates, she's hit the jackpot.

I have talked to her more than once about going to the Bridge, that it's okay to go and I'll be alright. She's been with me since she was 8 weeks old, through all the good and bad. She's my best friend. I've told her I want her to be whole again, still have both eyes and no KCS, no arthritis. At the Bridge she'll have all the snow she wants and will see her sister Heidi and her best cat friend Gordon.

Yeah, I know she's 15 years and nearly 8 months old, she's had a good long life, blah blah blah. It just hurts a lot because I don't think I can hold her together much longer.

I guess there's not much point to my post except that I'm very sad and I knew you guys would really understand.

agilebasenji

Posted : 6/12/2006 8:55:34 AM

I'm sorry. <<<>>>

Catherine

Posted : 6/12/2006 8:58:53 AM

I'm so sorry Tina. I really have no experience with having an older dog or (thinking about) having to put a pet to sleep, but I can imagine it is one of the hardest things to do. C is my first pet ever and he is not even 2 years old, but sometimes I think about when he gets older and how sad I will be when he's not around.

From what I've read and heard, it seems like some people just seem to know when it's that time to let your dog go. I mean, I know you are ready and you have talked to Shari, but I've heard sometimes there is just this realization that comes over you. My uncle's dog was having a lot of the problems that Shari seems to be having - he ended up having to put diapers on his guy b/c he was having so much trouble making it out to the bathroom. It was at that time that he decided he should let him go.

That really wasn't much help, but I'll be thinking about you and Shari - she's a lucky girl to have had a mom like you all of her life :-)

forpaws

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:18:23 AM

Tina, I understand exactly where you are coming from.

As you know Nikki the Tzu is 21. She has glycoma and was just diagnosed with a possible tumor behind her right eye. I am facing surgery or letting her move on to the Bridge.

It weighs heavy on your mind. Am I doing the right thing, do I want to let her go through with it... On and on.

I also have been asking her to just go to the bridge without my help and that I will be ok.

Quality of life or do I continue to hold her together. Is it too soon? All of these questions weigh heavily on my mind and heart as I know it is on yours. I will give you comfort and support in your decision no matter what you decide and lean on you as you can lean on me.
Together we can over come this and heal our broken hearts.

Big hugs to you Tina.

willowchow

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:22:02 AM

Tina--I'm so sorry Shari is not doing well. I also have no experience (yet). But, I can imagine that it would be the most sad I've ever been. She's lived a wonderful life with you and I'm sure knowing her like you do, you will know when the time is right. She's always been one of my favorites here, she's so gorgeous.

We'll be thinking of you both and please PM me if you need me. [&:]

t__m

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:27:44 AM

I'm so sorry that Shari is not well. She's a beautiful dog.
I dread the day I'll have to make that decision, but you'll know when the time is right...and you know we'll all be here for you....

jessies_mom

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:35:28 AM

I'm very sorry it's getting close to time for Shari to cross over the Bridge; it's something all of us dread but know we have to face someday. I personally wouldn't mind if my dog was having "accidents" because of her age but if she's wetting on herself there is the problem of urine scalding and trying to keep her clean. I also wouldn't mind supporting her with a harness for her to get around, but the pain would be a big concern and the fact that the pain medication makes her sick means she can't get relief unless you try taking her to someone for accupuncture; it's the only thing I can think of that might help. Give her some ear scratches for me; I'll keep you both in my thoughts; keep us posted.

thedoc617

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:39:58 AM

I'm so sorry, Tina (((((hugs))))))

I went through a similar problem with both Candy and Sage. In their later months they both went a bit senile and didn't know where they were. Sage couldn't get up because of arthritis, but Candy in her last days was paralyzed.

I think when the time is right, you'll know. When you look in her eyes and only cloudiness and emptyness comes back and stares at you. That's when I knew. When I made the decision for Candy to go to the bridge, her heart and soul had already left me.

I will be lighting a candle tonight for Shari and you, Tina and both of you are in my prayers, whatever you may have to do. I am thinking of both of you.

sharismom

Posted : 6/12/2006 9:57:56 AM

Thanks for all your kind words. It helps to know I'm not the crazy lady who cares too much for my girl because she's "just a dog".

The really horrible part was that I had a dream yesterday morning that she was dying. I somehow ended up at a people hospital with her, in my dream. She was hooked up to an i.v. and when she went into a major seizure, the doc determined there was nothing else they could do, and was pulling the i.v. tube when the nurse brought me in the room. I said, "are you just going to let her seizure until she dies? Can't you give her some of the pink stuff to help her along?" And they didn't because it was a human hospital and I woke up with that image of her seizuring until she died.

Now, I'm not psychic, but the day my ex-husband's best friend died, I had a dream during the early morning hours that he was gone. Only a few hours after that, my ex called to tell me the sad news.

Maybe I'm off this time...but somehow I don't think so. [sm=cry.gif]

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:00:11 AM

So very sorry, Tina. It is such a difficult position. All I can tell you is that there came a time when our Jesse looked and me with such exhaustion and that look also said "Help me," and there was only one thing I could do anymore to help. Our vet and a tech came to our home and though it was not easy, it was peaceful and right.

I don't know how, but it was suddenly very clear to me that Jesse's spark was gone, that there was no enthusiasm for life anymore. There was only indignity, exhaustion and pain. She took comfort in our presence and our attention, but it was not joy or exuberance. We took just a couple of days to say our goodbyes and it was clear the cats knew she was fading by the attention and affection they showed her. But we could not bear her going by herself while we were at work and suffering alone.

You have our sympathies, our ears and our support...

She's a beautiful girl and she will let you know.

dogslyfe

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:08:13 AM

Ohno, Tina. I'm so sorry. I've been here at work with tears rolling down my face for you and for Shari. I know that (with several older dogs) that day is coming for us too, and I'm a little afraid. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. We ARE here for you!

Benedict

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:08:22 AM

I'm so sorry. The losing of a pet is never just that - it's the losing of a family member, and the grief is the same. Knowing when the time is right to let her go, which you will, doesn't make the loss any easier. Take joy and comfort in the long years you had together, and know that you are doing everything you can to make her life comfortable until the end.

You will be in my thoughts.

Kate

kaf

Posted : 6/12/2006 10:18:57 AM

So sorry for all you are going through.... ((hugs))

tashakota

Posted : 6/12/2006 11:17:57 AM

<> from me and the gang too. I see my dogs getting older everyday and dread the day I have to make that decision. Like others have said, you'll know when it's time. She'll tell you. We'll all be here for you and Shari will meet up with all our furkids at the Bridge.

jennie_c_d

Posted : 6/12/2006 11:23:12 AM

Oh, Tina, I'm so sorry. Shari is such a beautiful girl. 15 years, 8 months, now? Wow.

Just a thought... It may give her comfort (it probably won't extend her time with you, but it may make her feel better while she's here) if you can find an accupunturist in your area. Emma can't take pain medicine, either, and accupunture is what keeps her going.

((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) and good thoughts for both of you.