Question:
My dog is getting very, very old. My mom says she'll only be here for about one more month. Since she told me this, I have always had a headache, been twitchy, nervous, and haven't had much of an appetite. I love my dog very much, and the fact of letting her go makes me very, very sad. Please, help me out of this time, my mom is here for me, but I don't think that'll be enough support for the emotions I'm gonna feel when she has to get put asleep. Right now, she's limping to the point of almost falling over, and she can hardly get up. She doesn't seem to be eating or drinking very much, and as I watch her, I can only blame myself for her having to go through this. I don't know what's going to happen or how I'm going to react. I'm also having a hard time accepting that this is really happening. She's a beautiful Shelty.


Answer:
I have the same worries with my dog. He's still going strong but he is a large dog and at 12 years old, he is nearing the end of his comfortable life.

Euthanasia is one of the most humane things that a human can give their pet. Keep her comfortable and spoil her as much as you can. If you do have to make the difficult decision to put her down, know that you are doing what is best for her. I wish that our pets would live forever, but it doesn't happen.


Answer:
I don't mean to sound harsh, but why put the dog through another month? It might be far kinder to help her pain now. Again, not to sound harsh, but most of us keep our animals far longer than we should on occasions for selfish emotional reasons (I am just as guilty of this). Perhaps it will help YOUR pain by realizing that she will not be suffering any more, and you can picture her happy and painfree, running like a puppy at the rainbow bridge.


Answer:
When do you reccomend I get another? I don't think I would be very happy without a dog. It's like once you get one, you need one or else theres just a very empty hole in your life. I love shelty's very much, and I saw a puppy one in a shelter the other day, and it was so perfect. Beagles are so cool too. I don't know, right now, she finally calmed down and went to sleep, but I'm still worried. She dry hacks because of a heart murmor, and it seems to get faster and faster everyday.


Answer:
When was the last time that she saw a vet...and what was the advice you were given. I thought that maybe I was overreacting (and thus, didn't say anything) but now that Molly's mentioned it, it does sound like your dog may be suffering.

Getting another dog is a personal choice. Some people can't do it right away, others can. It just depends on when you are ready. Adopting from a shelter is a great idea.


Answer:
She hasn't seen a vet in a long time, and she probably won't..until she gets euthanized. I don't think she's is suffering as much as I think, and I think I am overreacting. I'm scared though, and I tend to overreact when I'm scared and nervous like this. Maybe it is for her best, but I'm gonna need probably 2 more weeks to really get ready for it. I'm so bonded with this dog, that I think she is right, maybe I am keeping her for selfish reasons, but I couldn't go tomorrow and get her put down, I just..can't do that. It's going to be hard to let go of it all


Answer:
I would definitely see a vet...you need to make sure that she is in good enough health to carry on. When we had our last dog put down, we were at the vet a lot to monitor her health. I would definitely get a professional opinion...especially if she has underlying health issues.


Answer:
As far as getting a new dog, give yourself time to remember the old one (sorry, you haven't posted her name) and to do your grieving for your loss. You will know when you are ready to accept a new lovey into your life.


Answer:
Thanks so much for your help. It's always good to know people who know what it's like to go through this can give you opinion. My mom went through this as a little kid, except she had to see her dog suffer through so much more. I'm gald my dog will die of old age, and not of some unexpected situation or illness. I think she lived a good, joyful life with us. I'm sure glad dog's can't talk, because I've told many things to her that I haven't told do anyone else.


Answer:
Oh, sorry, her name is Beauty. We got her from some person who's daughter was allergic to her fur. Man o' man she's a shedder. I don't know, it seems like I will need a new doggy to come home from school to. I want one, but my mom says she isn't ready, and I guess I have to respect that.