[homegirl]

,I have a 15 1/2 year-old Chihuahua mix named Minnie. I have had her since she was seven weeks old.. I. love that little dog with all of my heart. She was recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I have her on a holistic, low phosphorus, low protein diet, and she is doing somewhat better but she is different now, she is failing, no more playtime and at best she totters around the house looking confused but when she spots me, she comes right to me.She is not in any pain..She has dementia as well which started about 3 months ago and at night she sundowns. I am maintaining her in the very best way that I can. She is comfortable. She’s in her home and I’ve made accommodations for her in every way. She has not lost her appetite. She eats well and she drinks well… but I don’t want her to suddenly become worse and suffer. I think I need to put her to sleep but my heart is torn. I’m heartbroken. I need some good advice about how others have handled this type of situation as I am grief stricken and I don’t know what to do.

[JohnN]

My daughter just this week had to put down her 16 year old cat, similar circumstances.
Your pet feels ill and "not right" and in reality would likely choose to be put out of her misery if possible.
You're doing her a favor to not let her suffer any longer. You will grieve, but your pet knows deep down, and it's OK.
And, if there is a heaven, why would animals not be there? They are mammals just like we are. Humans think they're special,
they not. I think your pet will be in dog-heaven, whatever that entails. My heart goes out to you, think of the good times.
That's how I want to go out, people not grieving as much as recalling the good things.
The vet knows how to handle this situation, been there.

[Taltarzac725]

Sundowners in Dogs: A Veterinarian's Guide - Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs

Maybe keep her around as long as she seems happy.

[homegirl]

Originally Posted by JohnN

My daughter just this week had to put down her 16 year old cat, similar circumstances.
Your pet feels ill and "not right" and in reality would likely choose to be put out of her misery if possible.
You're doing her a favor to not let her suffer any longer. You will grieve, but your pet knows deep down, and it's OK.
And, if there is a heaven, why would animals not be there? They are mammals just like we are. Humans think they're special,
they not. I think your pet will be in dog-heaven, whatever that entails. My heart goes out to you, think of the good times.
That's how I want to go out, people not grieving as much as recalling the good things.
The vet knows how to handle this situation, been there.

A beautiful answer Thank -You ( I have often felt that if Heaven is paradise certainly our beloved animal family will be there as well.)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Is Minnie ENJOYING her life, or is she failing within it? Longevity doesn't mean much for pets or for humans. We all tend to humanize our pets, but they're not human. We don't know what they're thinking, or their opinion of their life at any given moment. They might seem happy, but that appearance might just be a trained response from them. They might look depressed, but it could be they're responding to some sadness you're projecting. We really just don't know. She is suffering, if her organ failure is bad enough that she's gotten an actual diagnosis. Usually they start feeling unwell long before then. By the time they're diagnosed they've likely been sick for months (barring poison or ingesting something toxic).

It's a tough decision to make, because we don't want to say, right after, "what if I was wrong?" That's what holds us back. We think we can wait and see. Or we hope our pet will just fall asleep tomorrow night and simply not wake up, and it'll be peaceful. But it rarely works out that way. No one here can decide for you. But the fact that you care enough to reach out for help shows how much Minnie means to you.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by homegirl

,I have a 15 1/2 year-old Chihuahua mix named Minnie. I have had her since she was seven weeks old.. I. love that little dog with all of my heart. She was recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I have her on a holistic, low phosphorus, low protein diet, and she is doing somewhat better but she is different now, she is failing, no more playtime and at best she totters around the house looking confused but when she spots me, she comes right to me.She is not in any pain..She has dementia as well which started about 3 months ago and at night she sundowns. I am maintaining her in the very best way that I can. She is comfortable. She’s in her home and I’ve made accommodations for her in every way. She has not lost her appetite. She eats well and she drinks well… but I don’t want her to suddenly become worse and suffer. I think I need to put her to sleep but my heart is torn. I’m heartbroken. I need some good advice about how others have handled this type of situation as I am grief stricken and I don’t know what to do.

So sorry to learn about your most unfortunate situation, it’s a very tough choice to be forced to make. We had to make a similar decision about our beloved border collie. She was still happy and loving, but her hind leg bone was like swiss cheese from bone cancer. As happy as she still was, the Vet told us that when (not if) the bone shattered, she would be in a world of pain beyond imagination. It was an extremely difficult decision to put her down, but after 14+ absolutely wonderful years we didn’t want it to end with a disaster. The best advice I can give you is to use your gut feeling about what’s right, but don’t let your emotions make you hang on too long because you don’t want Minnie to suffer.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

So sorry to learn about your most unfortunate situation, it’s a very tough choice to be forced to make. We had to make a similar decision about our beloved border collie. She was still happy and loving, but her hind leg bone was like swiss cheese from bone cancer. As happy as she still was, the Vet told us that when (not if) the bone shattered, she would be in a world of pain beyond imagination. It was an extremely difficult decision to put her down, but after 14+ absolutely wonderful years we didn’t want it to end with a disaster. The best advice I can give you is to use your gut feeling about what’s right, but don’t let your emotions make you hang on too long because you don’t want Minnie to suffer.

Dementia seems very different from a bone with cancer. We had to put a three year old cocker spaniel down because of the pain of leukemia. A Dalmatian lived to almost nineteen but was having trouble walking and was always a bundle of energy. It was best for her to give her a good life where she could run again if you believe in the rainbow bridge. We had to put down an adorable Chihuahua mix after his heart murmur got very difficult for him . His quality of life was poor . Each dog is different.

[Whatnext]

Making that choice, and the loss, is the reason we no longer have animal companions.
I have always considered the right time was when there was obvious pain, lack of mobility, or a loss of dignity.
We also always had our pets put down at home, only once at vets, and that was an emergency.
It's a hard decision, but one only you can make. Be strong.

[jimdecastro]

Originally Posted by homegirl

,I have a 15 1/2 year-old Chihuahua mix named Minnie. I have had her since she was seven weeks old.. I. love that little dog with all of my heart. She was recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I have her on a holistic, low phosphorus, low protein diet, and she is doing somewhat better but she is different now, she is failing, no more playtime and at best she totters around the house looking confused but when she spots me, she comes right to me.She is not in any pain..She has dementia as well which started about 3 months ago and at night she sundowns. I am maintaining her in the very best way that I can. She is comfortable. She’s in her home and I’ve made accommodations for her in every way. She has not lost her appetite. She eats well and she drinks well… but I don’t want her to suddenly become worse and suffer. I think I need to put her to sleep but my heart is torn. I’m heartbroken. I need some good advice about how others have handled this type of situation as I am grief stricken and I don’t know what to do.

We held onto out Yorkie Noah too long for selfish reasons and he suffered at the end. We called Codapet. For a little over $600 they come to the house and very empathetic put him down. They take him to be cremated and they deliver his ashes to your house in their own vans by their own employees. I can't recommend them highly enough. Unfortunately I may need them one last time pretty soon, but they are the only people I would call. 833-263-2738

[Worldseries27]

Originally Posted by jimdecastro

we held onto out yorkie noah too long for selfish reasons and he suffered at the end. We called codapet. For a little over $600 they come to the house and very empathetic put him down. They take him to be cremated and they deliver his ashes to your house in their own vans by their own employees. I can't recommend them highly enough. Unfortunately i may need them one last time pretty soon, but they are the only people i would call. 833-263-2738

great option. From the op statement you are obviously unhappy. When you see that your pet also is and that is the time. All dogs go to heaven

[Maker]

I've been in your position many times. When things are happening, it's overwhelming. What will help is to write down observations in detail. Then as time passes, you can compare the present to what you wrote. Memories change from the influence of love and time. Having details will be able to help understand the changes happening over time. You know the hard decision is down the road somewhere, so knowing in your heart when facts show that time has arrived will make things easier to process.

For now, take pictures, and videos. Capture the goofy, the sounds, the favorite places. Go for car rides. Get pup cups. Go for walks at sunrise when it's coolest. Give a few extra treats.

You are a rare person. Only exceptional people are willing to give their entire soul to their dog. It's clear you are always going to do anything to help her. No matter what that happens to require. No matter how easy or hard. Always knowing you are doing the best you can for her.
And it's ok to cry.

[Veracity]

Perhaps this will help you determine the best time to make that difficult decision. It was passed on to me when I was in your painful situation, and heartbroken. It helped me tremendously:

What is so Broken in people that causes us to often hold onto suffering animals for too long? - Heart of Phoenix: THE OFFICIAL BLOG

[Katss]

Originally Posted by homegirl

,I have a 15 1/2 year-old Chihuahua mix named Minnie. I have had her since she was seven weeks old.. I. love that little dog with all of my heart. She was recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I have her on a holistic, low phosphorus, low protein diet, and she is doing somewhat better but she is different now, she is failing, no more playtime and at best she totters around the house looking confused but when she spots me, she comes right to me.She is not in any pain..She has dementia as well which started about 3 months ago and at night she sundowns. I am maintaining her in the very best way that I can. She is comfortable. She’s in her home and I’ve made accommodations for her in every way. She has not lost her appetite. She eats well and she drinks well… but I don’t want her to suddenly become worse and suffer. I think I need to put her to sleep but my heart is torn. I’m heartbroken. I need some good advice about how others have handled this type of situation as I am grief stricken and I don’t know what to do.

Trust your gut on this one. It's a very personal decision and no one knows Minnie better than you. you'll get as many differing opinions as there are pet owners. Wishing you and Minnie peace in this time of sadness.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by homegirl

,I have a 15 1/2 year-old Chihuahua mix named Minnie. I have had her since she was seven weeks old.. I. love that little dog with all of my heart. She was recently diagnosed with renal failure, and I have her on a holistic, low phosphorus, low protein diet, and she is doing somewhat better but she is different now, she is failing, no more playtime and at best she totters around the house looking confused but when she spots me, she comes right to me.She is not in any pain..She has dementia as well which started about 3 months ago and at night she sundowns. I am maintaining her in the very best way that I can. She is comfortable. She’s in her home and I’ve made accommodations for her in every way. She has not lost her appetite. She eats well and she drinks well… but I don’t want her to suddenly become worse and suffer. I think I need to put her to sleep but my heart is torn. I’m heartbroken. I need some good advice about how others have handled this type of situation as I am grief stricken and I don’t know what to do.

My condolences. This is (and will continue to be) a tough time for you, but from what you wrote you gave your Minnie about the best life she could have had, and obviously you and Minnie made many, many good memories in your 15 years together. Take solace in the fact that even though Minnie will be gone, the memories will remain, and they will last forever.

Six months ago we had to have our Kitty put down, and it was beyond tough. But even though we still miss her like crazy, the many memories we have of Kitty are more and more making us smile rather than eliciting pain. There are no shortcuts through grief, unfortunately. But the pain we feel for the loss of our Kitty and (when the time comes) your Minnie, is really just a reflection of what we had together. And even though the pain was great, what we had was worth the price we had to pay. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I don't know if you have a regular vet, but if not I'd highly recommend Dr. Sutton at the Mulberry Grove Animal Hospital (352) 245-9009) in Summerfield. Dr. Sutton helped us through our time with Kitty. She was beyond compassionate; and she and her team made it as easy as possible for both Kitty, and my wife and myself. They are not cheap but top line services rarely are. I think we paid something like $500 (I could be wrong) which included euthanizing as well as a private cremation and return of the ashes.

Hang in there!!

[La lamy]

Tough choice, but you say she is comfortable, she eats well, and you are only thinking of putting her down because "you don't want for her to suddenly become worse and suffer". Just my opinion of course, but I wouldn't want to be put down if I was comfortable and still eating, just for fear of my getting worse. I say wait until she is in obvious untreatable pain. But again, just my opinion. I wish you well with whatever you choose.