Our older dog other than being a little creaky in the joints was still happy and outgoing, but the sign for us was that her abdominal tumor made it very difficult for her to eat. She enjoyed dinnertime more than anything in the world, and seeing her take a small bite and gradually dribble it back out of her mouth was the sign for me.
The doxie I grew up with developed “lumps” in her old age (we put her to sleep at 19). It’s common for the breed. Carla had had IVDD as a very young dog and recovered completely, too. By the end, she was blind, nearly deaf, and some of the paralysis had returned. She was a sweet old thing and there for my entire childhood. It’s hard, but you do what’s right for them, not what makes you feel better.
Our current mostly-doxie, Max, has lots of issues. Cushings Disease, minor seizures, weakness (but no paralysis) in his lower legs. He’s having more incontinence – but not that often. He has some weird kind of semi-tumor issue in his intestines, and when he poops he has anal prolapse that we have to deal with. He acts a little befuddled sometimes, but he’s always happy to meet new people and dogs. He really peps up when he sees the squirrels, and people have been saying he’s looking good. It’s just so hard.
I think we’re going to wait until Monday.
When the vet came for Widget’s goodbye he was out playing ball with the other dogs and was happy as could be to see the vet–he’d known her for most of his life. She congratulated me on not dragging it out–yeah, it seemed too soon but he had a tumor the size of a tennis ball on his liver and had pretty much stopped eating unless it was a super good treat right from my hand. The vet said that “the body resists taking in food it knows it won’t need” and that if I delayed he’d probably fail hard and fast so as it stood he had a couple of excellent “being a dog” days, a nice scritchy visit with an old friend, a taste of Forbidden Chocolate Brownie then a nice nap. It was a good death and five years later I still feel good about my timing of his leave taking.
She sleeps with her tongue out: Link
Can’t figure out how to embed photos without hosting them (but google photos hosting doesn’t seem to work).
I couldn’t see your pic.
I use imgur.
Miss Maggie the Catahoula:
Beautiful dog.
I just hope that you get to enjoy every single minute, hour, and day with her – however many minutes, hours, and days there are.
She’s getting lots of love and the doggy equivalent of caviar and champagne (kibble, fresh chicken, sweet potato all doused with heavy cream).
She’s gone. She went downhill over the weekend, losing her affect, eating less. Peed and vomited in the house last night. The hospice vet was very kind, but it was still brutal. We fed her leftover lamb as the sedative took effect, then she was gone 30 seconds after the catheter was live. Many tears. I swear this is harder than when my mother died because of the agency.
I have been there more times than I want to think about. Take comfort in the knowledge you helped ease her out of her misery and she died knowing that you loved her. Damn, now I’m crying. Farewell, Maggie. You were the best girl.
She was the best girl–55#, affectionate but able to settle, playful but not nudgy. Dog-aggressive, though. That was stressful. Although now we are dog-owners that will leash their dogs (a rarity). Takes so much stress out of the experience. We had 13 years with her.
You did a hard thing very well. I’m sorry it sucks so much. 
I feel so damn responsible–she had no say. Making that call for another being is…crazy.
Of course we’re being unfaithful. She’s still warm and we’re looking at this guy:
In a foster home. We need a dog.
It’s all right. Dogs need you guys too.
I agree with all of this. If your doggo is happy, then I’d say you have quality time left together.
It sounds like the nighttime potty breaks are hard for you (understandable). Can you set up a doggy door? There are also doggy diapers, which might be a great help overnight. Another thought is to chat with the vet. They may have suggestions on how to manage the nighttime urination issues.
I understand your quandary. I am still haunted by the thought that I may have acted precipitously with one of my doggos. I had grave concerns about his quality of life and the vet shared those, but maybe I could have done more? I think most of that is because I miss him still, even though it’s been years. I do still think and wonder though.
Best wishes to you as you navigate this time.
It’s done. Tride gave Maggie one final act of love.
The house feels hollow, although maybe we’ll get a night’s sleep.
She told you.
You responded to her telling you. Dung_Beetle’s right, you did a hard thing very well.
And it sucks anyway. But it’s the only way we get to love them. It’s the only way we get to love anybody – loss is part of the deal.
Some people need another dog right away; some need to wait. You do what’s right for you. (I have to have more than one cat; because I wouldn’t be able to wait at all.)
Thanks to all. I can’t believe she’s gone. She’s been with us for 13 years. That’s a quarter of my life, and more intimately than anyone but my wife. Darn dogs.