OK friends- I need advice please - YorkieTalk.com Forums

KimInMD · 10-31-2012, 06:36 AM

Lucy is old. The mammary cancer returned and is growing rapidly. She also has dementia, and is deaf. She can't have more surgery because of the kidney disease. We've done such a good job keeping it under control, but this last week she has really gone downhill quickly. We see the vet today, and I'm sure she will want us to begin giving her the IV bags daily which is a form of canine dialysis. I will do anything for my sweet girl, but isn't poking and probing her just making her last days more miserable? If kidney disease were the only issue, I wouldn't hesitate, but she is so sick from so many terminal things. I'm in anguish. I love this little angel so much. So, here's the question. If she were yours, would you do the daily dialysis treatments, or would you just love her, spoil her, and cherish the shortened time you have left with her. I'm so confused. Please give me your opinions.

hoffbo · 10-31-2012, 07:03 AM

We had to send our little girl, Avery to doggie heaven 2 weeks ago. Hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I wanted her to get better, and fight more, but her body just would not let her. My wife had to convince me her suffering is not a good thing for any of us. If you think she will suffer another day then it is time to let her go into the spirit world with all our friends and family and other loved pets. We miss her dearly but it was time to say goodbye. I would not have done it any other way, we were with her until the last second and she was comforted all the way. I hope this helps. The hurt of missing her will never go away.....

Nancy1999 · 10-31-2012, 07:33 AM

I'd love her and spoil her, I'm sorry you are going through this, may God grant you strength. I think you know in your heart of hearts what you should do.

ladyjane · 10-31-2012, 07:43 AM

I am so sorry....I don't think there is anything worse than having to make a decision like this. All I can say is that whatever you decide will be right...there is no wrong.

As for the fluids, it is really not that bad...usually about 200cc subcutaneously and the needle has never bothered any that I have had to do that with. But...would I do it with a pup like Lucy...I don't think so...but I don't know. It really is an individual decision and I am sure you will come to a decision that is right for Lucy.

I will keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for the strength you will need to make this decision.

Micah my love · 10-31-2012, 07:58 AM

One of the hardest decisons i ever made was to have a little poodle put down
years ago, she had cancer and we loved her so much...Hugs to you

chattiesmom · 10-31-2012, 08:22 AM

I am so very sorry that you have to make this decision. When I was placed in a similar situation with my very first Yorkie, Laciebug, I asked my vet, "Is it time?". My wise vet told me, Laciebug will tell you when it's time, listen to her. So that would be my answer to your question, Lucy will tell you when she's ready to cross over. Listen to her and listen to your heart. Keeping you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers.

Yorkiemom1 · 10-31-2012, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

I am so very sorry that you have to make this decision. When I was placed in a similar situation with my very first Yorkie, Laciebug, I asked my vet, "Is it time?". My wise vet told me, Laciebug will tell you when it's time, listen to her. So that would be my answer to your question, Lucy will tell you when she's ready to cross over. Listen to her and listen to your heart. Keeping you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers.

This is the hardest fork in the road any of us every face with our beloved pets....and the few times I have had to go here, I have found your vets words are sooooooooo very true.....when your baby is tired and does not want to fight any more, she will look at you and you will see it in her eyes...she will let you know she can not go any longer on this side. Like Ladyjane has said, there is no right or wtrong here...you have to make the decision that you can live with in your heart. I dont ever encourage anyone to go one way or the other at this juncture.....you make the decision that you know in your heart and soul is right for your baby and yourself. I do believe your baby will let you know when she is tired and wants to let go....and you will support her in that decision.

LanaHamilton · 10-31-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

This is the hardest fork in the road any of us every face with our beloved pets....and the few times I have had to go here, I have found your vets words are sooooooooo very true.....when your baby is tired and does not want to fight any more, she will look at you and you will see it in her eyes...she will let you know she can not go any longer on this side. Like Ladyjane has said, there is no right or wtrong here...you have to make the decision that you can live with in your heart. I dont ever encourage anyone to go one way or the other at this juncture.....you make the decision that you know in your heart and soul is right for your baby and yourself. I do believe your baby will let you know when she is tired and wants to let go....and you will support her in that decision.

This is so true and such good advice. Your baby will tell you when shes had enough. Please trust that and in the meantime continue all the love you have given her all these years...and she will remain always in your heart. Sending lots of prayers your way.

Cherie6446 · 10-31-2012, 08:46 AM

I have had to make this decision more times in the last twenty years than I ever wanted. Each time is was heart wrenching, depressing and I questioned myself on making such a decision for another living being. In the end, each and every one went peacefully. I prayed that I would wake up and they would have passed during the night sparing me the decision but that never happened. You will make the right decision for you and your precious baby.
Hugs.

maggiesmom_2007 · 10-31-2012, 09:12 AM

Kim , You know my thoughts on this. It is very close to what I am going through with Willow.It's a very hard decision to make. Some days she is her spunky old self and others she is just not wanting to deal with anything. So I wait . Call me .

Yorkiemom1 · 10-31-2012, 09:42 AM

I carry this in my wallet...have carried it for at least 35 years.....I think it is beautiful.....
It is 4 paragraphs long actually, but I will only print the last paragraph.... the last paragraph is so beautiful......

"And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, or sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me here....I have lived for the fun and happiness we have shared, and I am no longer able to share that with you. Look deeply into my eyes.... Please, see to it that my life is taken gently, kindly, humanely, close to you, in your arms. I will leave this Earth knowing, with the very last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands."

...and again, I cry........

Verbena · 10-31-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I carry this in my wallet...have carried it for at least 35 years.....I think it is beautiful.....
It is 4 paragraphs long actually, but I will only print the last paragraph.... the last paragraph is so beautiful......

"And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, or sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me here....I have lived for the fun and happiness we have shared, and I am no longer able to share that with you. Look deeply into my eyes.... Please, see to it that my life is taken gently, kindly, humanely, close to you, in your arms. I will leave this Earth knowing, with the very last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands."

...and again, I cry........

Beautifully said

GeorgiesMomma · 10-31-2012, 10:42 AM

Kim I am so sorry you are faced with this. I came here over the summer seeking advice and counsel for our sweet Boxer Coco who was almost 13. She had Cushings, reoccuring UTI and bacteria infection, blind, deaf and could hardly walk. A lot of people here told me you will know when it's time. Honestly I couldn't fathom really knowing, but the day Coco stopped wagging her tail and was nonresponsive to our touch we knew. It was the hardest decision my husband and I have had to make but we did it for her. She is forever in our hearts and memories.

Give Lucy a hug and kisses from Georgie and I. We will be praying for you all and I am here if you need me.

GeorgiesMomma · 10-31-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I carry this in my wallet...have carried it for at least 35 years.....I think it is beautiful.....
It is 4 paragraphs long actually, but I will only print the last paragraph.... the last paragraph is so beautiful......

"And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, or sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me here....I have lived for the fun and happiness we have shared, and I am no longer able to share that with you. Look deeply into my eyes.... Please, see to it that my life is taken gently, kindly, humanely, close to you, in your arms. I will leave this Earth knowing, with the very last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands."

...and again, I cry........

This is beautiful and I can't tell you how many times I read it when you posted on my thread about Coco.

Kim we are all here for you.

chattiesmom · 10-31-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkiemom1

I carry this in my wallet...have carried it for at least 35 years.....I think it is beautiful.....
It is 4 paragraphs long actually, but I will only print the last paragraph.... the last paragraph is so beautiful......

"And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, or sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me here....I have lived for the fun and happiness we have shared, and I am no longer able to share that with you. Look deeply into my eyes.... Please, see to it that my life is taken gently, kindly, humanely, close to you, in your arms. I will leave this Earth knowing, with the very last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands."

...and again, I cry........

Oh how beautiful! That's the way both my husband and I feel about each other

. Oh if only we could be as kind to our human loved ones who are suffering and at the edge.

I have suffered through "letting go" of doggie friends, a goat and a beloved horse. Losing a pet is never easy, but just knowing that their last breath was taken in my arms was the greatest last bit of assurance that I took care of them through the end.

10-31-2012, 06:36 AM	#1
KimInMD Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Baltimore, MD. Posts: 1,078	OK friends- I need advice please Lucy is old. The mammary cancer returned and is growing rapidly. She also has dementia, and is deaf. She can't have more surgery because of the kidney disease. We've done such a good job keeping it under control, but this last week she has really gone downhill quickly. We see the vet today, and I'm sure she will want us to begin giving her the IV bags daily which is a form of canine dialysis. I will do anything for my sweet girl, but isn't poking and probing her just making her last days more miserable? If kidney disease were the only issue, I wouldn't hesitate, but she is so sick from so many terminal things. I'm in anguish. I love this little angel so much. So, here's the question. If she were yours, would you do the daily dialysis treatments, or would you just love her, spoil her, and cherish the shortened time you have left with her. I'm so confused. Please give me your opinions. __________________ Kim- Mom to Lola, Mia, Allie, and Lucy, always in my heart

10-31-2012, 07:03 AM	#2
hoffbo YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Tucson, Arizona Posts: 3	Letting them go We had to send our little girl, Avery to doggie heaven 2 weeks ago. Hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I wanted her to get better, and fight more, but her body just would not let her. My wife had to convince me her suffering is not a good thing for any of us. If you think she will suffer another day then it is time to let her go into the spirit world with all our friends and family and other loved pets. We miss her dearly but it was time to say goodbye. I would not have done it any other way, we were with her until the last second and she was comforted all the way. I hope this helps. The hurt of missing her will never go away.....

10-31-2012, 07:33 AM	#3
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I'd love her and spoil her, I'm sorry you are going through this, may God grant you strength. I think you know in your heart of hearts what you should do. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

10-31-2012, 07:43 AM	#4
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,469	I am so sorry....I don't think there is anything worse than having to make a decision like this. All I can say is that whatever you decide will be right...there is no wrong. As for the fluids, it is really not that bad...usually about 200cc subcutaneously and the needle has never bothered any that I have had to do that with. But...would I do it with a pup like Lucy...I don't think so...but I don't know. It really is an individual decision and I am sure you will come to a decision that is right for Lucy. I will keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for the strength you will need to make this decision. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

10-31-2012, 07:58 AM	#5
Micah my love Donating YT 100K Club Member & Top YorkieTalk Poster! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: western KY Posts: 108,935	One of the hardest decisons i ever made was to have a little poodle put down years ago, she had cancer and we loved her so much...Hugs to you __________________ Betty & Micah my love + Yogi

10-31-2012, 08:22 AM	#6
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I am so very sorry that you have to make this decision. When I was placed in a similar situation with my very first Yorkie, Laciebug, I asked my vet, "Is it time?". My wise vet told me, Laciebug will tell you when it's time, listen to her. So that would be my answer to your question, Lucy will tell you when she's ready to cross over. Listen to her and listen to your heart. Keeping you and Lucy in my thoughts and prayers. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

10-31-2012, 08:46 AM	#9
Cherie6446 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: SoCA Posts: 1,895	I have had to make this decision more times in the last twenty years than I ever wanted. Each time is was heart wrenching, depressing and I questioned myself on making such a decision for another living being. In the end, each and every one went peacefully. I prayed that I would wake up and they would have passed during the night sparing me the decision but that never happened. You will make the right decision for you and your precious baby. Hugs. __________________ RIP my darling little Gina

10-31-2012, 09:12 AM	#10
maggiesmom_2007 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,991 Blog Entries: 13	Kim , You know my thoughts on this. It is very close to what I am going through with Willow.It's a very hard decision to make. Some days she is her spunky old self and others she is just not wanting to deal with anything. So I wait . Call me . __________________ Lori, Friday, Olivia, Miranda , Chanel and Casey

10-31-2012, 09:42 AM	#11
Yorkiemom1 Rosehill Yorkies Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Houston Texas Posts: 9,462	I carry this in my wallet...have carried it for at least 35 years.....I think it is beautiful..... It is 4 paragraphs long actually, but I will only print the last paragraph.... the last paragraph is so beautiful...... "And my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing, or sight, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me here....I have lived for the fun and happiness we have shared, and I am no longer able to share that with you. Look deeply into my eyes.... Please, see to it that my life is taken gently, kindly, humanely, close to you, in your arms. I will leave this Earth knowing, with the very last breath I take, that my fate was always safest in your hands." ...and again, I cry........

10-31-2012, 10:42 AM	#13
GeorgiesMomma I love TBCG! Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MD Posts: 7,227	Kim I am so sorry you are faced with this. I came here over the summer seeking advice and counsel for our sweet Boxer Coco who was almost 13. She had Cushings, reoccuring UTI and bacteria infection, blind, deaf and could hardly walk. A lot of people here told me you will know when it's time. Honestly I couldn't fathom really knowing, but the day Coco stopped wagging her tail and was nonresponsive to our touch we knew. It was the hardest decision my husband and I have had to make but we did it for her. She is forever in our hearts and memories. Give Lucy a hug and kisses from Georgie and I. We will be praying for you all and I am here if you need me. __________________ Morgan Mommy toGeorgie boy & Isaiah RIP sweet Coco 10/12/99-8/1/12 Read About Georgie's Experience with Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) Here!