Decision is made for tomorrow :( Woody has given me the signs that I needed to see and feel

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

This is the hardest thing I have had to do...New Jersey Doodles will know my "Doodlenot" Woody.  He would go to the doodle romps he is a golden lab mix just missing the poodle but, we did not want to leave him out..  He is now 16 and a half.  His health is failing fast.  In July our vet told us maybe 3 months if we were lucky and then he lives on morphine because of the pain.  He pants all the time, he is now walking and limping on every leg.  He is full of tumors not sure if they are cancer or not.  Now he is falling as he walks he seems happy but, yesterday when I threw his ball he only wanted to go catch one time. (If you know Woody you would know why this upsets me).  People tell me the dog will let me know when it is time. To watch this dog in pain and the struggle to walk is killing me. HELP I don't know what to do.  I would just like to hear from anyone that has had to make this terrible call.  

[Diane, Baker & Oskar]

We had to make this decision a few months ago with our 13.5 year old lab, Jake.  He was falling, needed help getting up the 2 stairs from the patio, panted constantly, his back legs were sticks & stiff, & he was restless (up & down, inside then outside every few minutes)...the vet told us his throat was closing up, causing the panting & he would eventually suffocate.  He was still so very sweet & handsome, we couldn't believe we had to make this painful decision but we did.  The thought of him struggling to breathe & eventually suffocating was not what he deserved after being the perfect pet.  It's such a hard decision since we don't feel we have the right to make it.  I'm so sorry :(

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I have had to make this decision more than I would have like to in my life time.  And it is never ever a easy thing to do.  I always ask myself what is your pet's quality of live?? and that guides me.... my last dog I put down was a 15 yr. old Shih Tzu.  My little CallaLilly was blind and had congestive heart failure.  She was on meds to help keep her comfortable but when I realized she was getting worse... I just knew it was time.  When she was awake all she did was struggle for breath, when she was sleeping she was ok.  So all of her waking moments were a struggle and that is no way to live.  I always try to remove my feelings from the decision and just think what is BEST for your dog...not you...but your dog.    I just don't like to see pets suffer while their owners hold on to them for their own reasons.  Just my opionion.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Marianne, Just reading this brings tears to my eyes. We have had to make this decision too many times. I am so sorry the time of losing your sweet Woody is coming close. Know that we all support your decision. Your love for him will let you know when it is just too hard on him to continue. Sending you lots of love. 

[Sharon & Monty]

Hang in there, lots of us have been there, it is not an easy decision for anyone.  We feel your pain.  

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Thank you, yes, he still eats and knows to go outside the bathroom (Ozzy sometimes has to help him find his way back to the door) As long as he is by my side he seems to be ok for now.  Ozzy will not leave his side.  The picture above is my dogs at a doodle romp in Ocean Grove.  You can tell my mind is everywhere on this.  I just cry when I see him try and walk.  He can no longer go for a walk cause of course he wants to pee on everything but falls over when he tries to lift his leg and if I tug on the leash so he does not go near the tree he just falls.  So it is just the yard for him now.  I will keep you updated on the progress of this as I feel it will be sooner than I want and let you know what my vet says as we talk often about this decision. :(

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

I remember making this decision about my golden and it is very hard.  Consider a few things.  Is he able to eat and drink?  Is he peeing and pooping OK? Is he having more good days than bad?  Is he in a lot of pain? You know that the end is coming soon.  We all wish they would die peacefully in their sleep.  Start to prepare yourself emotionally for this.   You don't want him to suffer. Whenever you decide to euthanize him, it will be very hard for you and the family.  In that way, there is no "good" time. After I put my Murph down, I was so upset,  I ended up going to a pet grief support meeting and that helped me.  You have given him a terrific life. Don't be hard on yourself.  Be prepared that not everyone will understand...("it's just a dog" thing) but many of us here have gone thru this and do understand.  The picture above looks like a very happy time.  I would hang on to it.

[Sharon & Monty]

I have always put myself in my dogs shoes....Is this the condition in which I would want to live given the choice?  Living on morphine and still in pain?  That is a very sad thing to hear.  Go with your mind first, heart second.  Hugs to you and Woody.