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.  

[Lori, Daphne, Lucy & Pippa]

Marianne, I am so saddened by what I read and I know your heart is breaking! I lost my beloved Golden Retriever, Chloe, just a few short months ago. She had bone cancer and walked with a limp for the last year of her life. It was just a limp and she had pain medication every day. Other than that she appeared fine. She still had interest in playing with her toys and had no problems eating. She still jumped in and out of my bed even though I tried my best to stop her. I even bought her a special bed so she would feel comfortable on the floor. Then one day the limp got so bad that she would not put that foot on the ground. When I took her to the vet he said "it's time". Those are the words I hope never to hear again (although I'm sure I will at some point). Chloe had a broken leg that had probably been broken for several weeks. Even with all the pain she was in, she would get herself out of that bed and come to greet me if I had been away from home, walking on a broken leg. I know it is true that they hang on out of love and concern for us. We made the dreaded Appointment for the last time of the day so that we wouldn't have to feel rushed. That morning we all had some special time with her. We hugged her ( she was the BEST hugger) and cried and it was almost like she was trying to comfort us. I believe she knew that we were taking her to get out of her pain. When we got to the vets office, she jumped out of the car and practically ran inside. She looked happy. It was really hard but I knew I could not let her go through it alone. She needed me and needed to know I was there for her always. It was the absolutely toughest thing I have ever done, but I would do it again. Just like I hope someone is there for me when it's my time. Find comfort in knowing Woody trusts you to make the best decisions for him. You always have before! He will be waiting for you on the other side of that Bridge.

[Carol and Banjo]

Marianne, I'm so very sorry that you're facing this difficult decision. Please know you and Woody will be in my prayers tonight.

[Donna K & Quincy]

I'm sorry Marianne, this is indeed a terribly difficult decision to make. I think you'll know when the time is right. Hugs to you all.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Marianne this reminds me so much of our old lab mix's condition.  I made the decision based on whether I felt he was hurting too much. I noticed one morning that his leg was swollen, and felt that perhaps his circulation was failing.  I really wanted someone else to make that final choice, but in our family I am the one who makes the 'hard' decisions.  My heart and sympathy go out to you and your family. Take  pictures of Woody if it will comfort you.  We did and, though I cry when I see them, I am comforted.

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Marianne, my heart just goes out to you.  Most of us on here have been through this and it does not get any easier.  It is the hardest part of pet ownership.  My sister is going through the same thing with her beloved lab.  She has no children so Buster Brown has been her and her husbands only child since they have been married.  Prayers and thoughts for you and your family during this time.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, it is very hard to say goodby.  We have had to put down several dogs and always seem to know when the time is right.  Sixteen and a half is definitely a long life and I'm sure he enjoyed all those days with you and the interaction with his "siblings".  Get yourself ready because he is ready for whatever you decide.  My husband gave his dog a nice bath and blow dry and then took him to the vet.  Barney just felt it was another vet appointment as he had had several.  It is an easy thing for your dog, but very hard for you.  We have some of our dogs cremated and keep the remains in a container on our bookcase.  My best dog, Hondo, also has a stone carved with his name and dates that is in the garden.

My friend just had two horses put down as they were very dependent on each other and both were old and sick.  She had them buried under their arena as that seemed like the best place to lay them to rest.  Whatever works for you.  

You do know what to do and I know it is a terrible call.  Think of all those wonderful times and be so encouraged that you are able to be with him all the way to the end.  What a great life you have had together.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

I am so sorry. Thinking of you as you are faced with this decision.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Marrianne, I love the tennis ball. Okay, now I am getting the weeps.   Between my husband and I, we have cremated several of our animals.  We kept them with us for as long as we could until a time came when we knew it was right to leave the mantel.  It was a wonderful happy day with each  final release.

With my Starlit, I will keep her with me in her Urn.  She was afraid, always, and I think she likes it there.  She will stay safe with us here :)

Peace to you!  and Hugs

[Sharon & Monty]

Wow! i think the tennis ball is a fabulous idea. You and your family are in my thoughts, take care
@

[Marianne *OZZY & ZOEY]

Thank you, hearing everyone's stories, makes me cry as I know how we feel about our pets.  I had a 4 year old Wheaton Terrier that got pancreatitis and had to be put down.  Woody and I cried for weeks together. That is when we got our first doodle Ozzy. It helped somewhat but Woody and I would still look for the other dog.  I know that time heals the pain but, oh that pain is just so bad.  I feel that Woody is staying by me as if to say enough.  I will call my son to talk to his father as it is Karl that is not ready to let go.  If my condition was like Woody's I would be ready to go.  Adrianna I can't believe you still have that picture.  Yes, that is him and not the way he is now.   My children have decided that when we do this we will have him cremated and Woody and my other dog that is still under my bed will both be put in a tennis ball and put in the ocean together.  That was the place that they always like to be.  Thank you again for your encouragement and I will be sure to keep you posted.