Not so good news, Update

Oh Jenn,

I'm sorry that Abby isn't doing so well.  I would definitely go down there and do what you need to in order for Abby to be comfortable until your parents get back. 

((((( hugs ))))))

 Hugs! I'm very sorry :( I dont' think you can every really be prepared for a loss like this.

Kiddo I am soooo there.  I held my girl and eased her over the bridge last week.  I promise my fur kids  when they come in to my world they will Never go hungry, do without or be in pain that I can fix.  That promise helps me limit myself to the number of dogs I keep. 

Jasmine was not my first ever dog, but she was my best. I still find myself reaching for her when I leave a room and listening for her breathing at night.  I would do it all over again today and cry just as hard. Because it was right, it was loving and it had to be done.

Abby did not come into your family to cause descent.  She is not happy that her pain is causing your mom to hurt and worry  or your dad to get frustrated, he already understands ...  If she hurts wouldn't you want to help?  Diabetes is tough on a young dog on an 11 year old  wow , I would really have to weigh the quality of her life, her appetite , her level of fun .... and I would do what I had to do last week.  Say goodbye to my best friend and know she needed me to be strong enough to keep my promise.  And I have to have faith that one day we will be back together .

I am here if you need to talk about her.  I really understand how painful it is to do the right thing.

Bonita of Bwana

I'm so sorry about your sweet dog.  Even when we think we are mentally and emotionally prepared for death it is sometimes so hard to let go.  She needs you to be strong for her and help her go peacefully.  You will be sad but if we don't feel sad when we lose someone we love then we have lost the ability to feel and that really is sad.

Thanks everyone! I am down here now with my dogs too. Abby and Moe are just laying around, but Abby isn't really acting anything other than seeming depressed that my parents aren't here. My mom and I guess myself just have a hard time knowing when its time. I told my mom she will know, and when she stops eating, not wanting to go on walks and etc. so we'll see. She took a treat from me before and ate it so that's good.

I'm sorry Jenn.  We're never ready for when the time comes to make that difficult decision.  I wish you peace and comfort through this tough time. 

I'm sorry about poor Abby.  I'm getting a taste of what it's like to have a sick dog and make decisions recently myself and it's so stressful-so I understand that. 

When the vet saw her did he suggest anything that could be done?  Is there anything in particular going on that could be helped with medication or something like that to make her more comfortable.

 If you haven't done this already, check her kidney function.  I had a dog who suffered from renal failure which we supported for a long time, but then he suddenly "crashed" but I didn't know what it was and put off going to the vet too long.  I don't mean, days, but hours - if I had known the signs I would have gone immediately the moment I put two and two together, knowing what I know today.  If she is in renal failure but not the very last stage, much can be done to support her and make her more comfortable and even give her a little extension on life.  If she is suffering from a loss of kidney function below a certain level, much suffering can be forestalled by letting her go quietly before it gets much further.

She will tell you when she is ready.  I don't know how they know, but dogs can somehow make that connection with someone they trust during that time.  It's their last great gift to us. 

I've been in the position of  having to leave a dog in a fragile health state, and go out of town.  What I do is board my dog at the vet, assuming the dog is stable enough to leave.  I choose vets with good off hours care, and excellent boarding facilities, for this reason.  I socialize my dogs there (they go once a month for weigh-ins) so they love going and overall associate the vet with fun and nice people.  Often you get a "twofer" deal out of this because the techs can't help but note the dog's overall condition and even consult with the vet on it, and may bring helpful hints.

I'm so sorry to hear this Jenn. I know how hard it is...I lost my first dog 5 years ago to cancer..he was only 11. He made it very clear when it was "time", and I am sure Abby will too in her own way. I'm really sorry you guys are going through this...it's so sad.

Janet

 I'm sorry to hear that Jenn, I wish there was something I could say to make it better.  I can't imagine how hard this time is for you. I am dreading it with my old dog - she's doing well though.  We can never be prepared for it. :(

jennyx0023

 I thought I had prepared myself for it, but the thought that her time may actually be ending soon really hurts.

Of course it hurts, thats what love is. BUT that same love will keep you from keeping her alive for your sake.

Just keep telling yourself that every ounce of pain you feel is FOR her instead of with her. If and when it is time she'll be fine, even if that means you'll be the one suffering. It sounds like she's had a good life with a family that loves her. When its time, dont cry because she'll be gone.....smile because she was yours. One less dog abused, one less dog unloved....as pet owners that is all we can really do.

jennyx0023

 I thought I had prepared myself for it, but the thought that her time may actually be ending soon really hurts.

Of course it hurts, thats what love is. BUT that same love will keep you from keeping her alive for your sake.

Just keep telling yourself that every ounce of pain you feel is FOR her instead of with her. If and when it is time she'll be fine, even if that means you'll be the one suffering. It sounds like she's had a good life with a family that loves her. When its time, dont cry because she'll be gone.....smile because she was yours. One less dog abused, one less dog unloved....as pet owners that is all we can really do.

AuroraLove

When its time, dont cry because she'll be gone.....smile because she was yours. One less dog abused, one less dog unloved....as pet owners that is all we can really do.

I love this comment!

willowchow

AuroraLove

When its time, dont cry because she'll be gone.....smile because she was yours. One less dog abused, one less dog unloved....as pet owners that is all we can really do.

I love this comment!

 

Yes, so very true.