That hard call

[cast iron]

Our eldest agility collie is 14

He suffered a couple of vestibular attacks (dog strokes) after the June heat wave of 2018

his back legs have slowly gotten weaker as has his appetite

I rolled the ball for him down the garden on Saturday and after 3 times he just stopped and lied down next to it

He can walk fine but his rear just collapses when he stops, even to eat

Tomorrow he will only be getting chicken and steak

tomorrow afternoon all the toys will be out

Tomorrow nigh the vet is coming to the house

Sorry not car related, just feeling sh!7

 

[Andrew]

That's awful news Mark. I never saw myself as a doggy person,  but I've had two Jack Russels planted into my life..  I dread the day when similar decisions have to be made. 

[TAFKARM]

Really sorry Mark, they say it’s the ultimate act of kindness but I know I’ll be devastated when the time comes for my lab. 
 

Although it’s incredibly difficult, You’re doing the right thing.

[barry peel]

Just gone through the same thing with our two 20 year old cats. Horrible thing to do but deep down you know its for the best. Same as our cats at 20 or 14 for your pooch they've had a great innings and its just time.

[MrPid]

Try not to think that you are taking something away.

 

Try to think about everything you have given him over the last 14 years.

 

I still miss my lab who left us ten years ago, there is nothing like the bond between pets and owners.

[pistonbroke]

Had to have my Border collie put down 20 odd years ago , though I knew I had done the right thing I just couldnt help feeling I had betraid him , for monts after I kept bursting into tears . Unfortunate but every one of us must face the end sometime , console yourself with the thought of the good life you have shared together . 

dogs are wonderfully faithful friends . 

[Alan Cutler (Adge) - Dorset AO]

Having been in the same situation, whilst it's a tremendously hard thing to do, believe you're doing the right thing.

Hope you can look back on the good times once the "rawness" has passed.

[Kingster]

Sad times Mark. Been there and it’s not a nice place. 

[Peter Robinson]

Nothing we can say will make things easier but be strong you know your doing the right thing 

[NickBW]

Funnily enough, I read this yesterday knowing I would be doing something very similar for my 13yro boxer Molly soon

 

Unfortunately, it came a bit too quickly and this morning after she had a series fits I had to make that very decision.  Today has been an extremely tough day. I feel exhausted, it was a very hard decision to make. **** I will miss her

[cast iron]

Thanks folks, I can honestly say I’ve never experienced anything as horrible as “the end” the eyes staying open the body going limp, not feeling good today

i keep saying how long might he have had, and reply with well at least we removed the guess work of any suffering

hoping the rugby is a good distraction

[jeff oakley]

Sorry to hear your news. Do not be in any doubt you did the right thing and if it wasn't the vet would have told you. Two years ago on Christmas eve we had to have our springer spaniel, Spax, put down we still miss him and christmas eve is always tinged with sadness.

 

What some would say is get another quickly, we have still not done anything it is still raw but they bring such joy to so may as others have said remember the good times, you will know what is right for you and your family

[Steve (sdh2903)]

It's just a **** thing to have to do, you just have to keep reminding yourself it's the right call. They become such an integral part of the family it leaves a big hole when they suddenly aren't there. 

 

As **** a thing to do it's a small price to pay for a dog's lifetime of loyalty, companionship and making you giggle when they do something stupid. After doing the deed twice and always saying never again, we always end up with another as me and the mrs have both said the house doesn't feel right without a dog.

[cast iron]

I guess we are lucky we have 4 more, they don't take time out and keep us occupied with al the dog things. Im having to work today, sunday! and ive just had the call that he's back home

[mikef]

Been there a number of times and it is just the most horrible thing to do even though you know it is the right thing.