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.  

[Sharon & Monty]

Marianne, you will be ok, We are here for you. My heart bleeds for you and your family.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Marianne, you already know the answer. My heart and my thoughts are with you.  Please know, if the time comes, we are ALL here with you. I hope you can feel us.

[Suzanne & Jack]

I am so sorry.  This is the most difficult and personal decision to make for our pets.  I think Karen is right in suggesting some quality time talking with Woody from your heart.  Unfortunately I've never experienced a

"magical " sign that the time is right.  I think you have to consider Woody's quality of life and do what's best for him.  If your vet can come to your house that might be more peaceful for you.  I've always stayed with mine as they pass, and then taken them to the mortuary.  My heart goes out to you and your family.

[Anna and Achilles]

First, I am so sorry. It is one of the most difficult decisions I ever have made in my life. What helped me was thinking about how much I loved my labradoodle Houdini. I loved him that much that I could not be selfish and think of my needs. When I knew he was in pain or uncomfortable that was the time. Don't get me wrong I was a mess. A mess for a very long time. I still to this day three years later can have a good cry for my sweet boy. I wish you luck and strength. xo

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry, Marianne. I've had to make this decision three times, and it never gets any easier. It is truly the very worst part of owning a pet. You wish that God would make the decision for you, but very few of us are lucky enough to have that happen. I wish I had some words of advice that would help, but it's such a personal thing, and you have to do what feels right for Woody and for you. Sometimes I do think they hang on just for us, as Sharon said, because they know how much we love and need them. This will sound a little loony, but it has helped me to spend a little quiet time alone with the dog, sending him a message from the heart and listening to what he is telling me. Most important is that along with the grief, you have peace in your heart when the time comes. Hugs to you.

[BG and Gavin]

Marinanne, I am so sorry you are going through this with dear Woody.  I will keep a good thought for you and your family.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Marianne, I am so sorry for you. I too understand the pain of making that decision and you will question yourself over and over about it. There is no easy answer. I waited for our last dog to tell me and I am not sure he ever did, I just knew that his life was not what it had been and I could no longer watch him endure the pain. I realized that he would not just "fall asleep". With the encouragement of my family we did finally decide. It was a peaceful moment with his favorite people around him.

Sending hugs.

[Sharon & Monty]

Just one more thought. I have always thought our dogs stay for us. IMHO they need our permission to relax and let go.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Marianne...I'm so sorry you have to go through this.   I hope you find peace with this hard decision when the time comes.  Hugs & Kisses

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Marianne, This is the hardest decision you ever have to make for an old dog. I asked my vet with our Hershey why she just couldn't go in her sleep so I wouldn't have to decide and he said it almost never happens that way. I think it all boils down to Woody's quality of life. I am so sorry you are going through this and can only say, I feel you will make the right decision. Hugs to you!