[Tico]

My two children. Samson (Doberman) and Frankie (Pitt). Both rescues

[3.0L]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Hey Pet lovers, can we have a serious convo here? I'm talking about that thing we never want to think about; saying good-bye.

Bella has been my sidekick and partner in crime for 16 amazing years. She has degenerative disc disease, Cushing's disease, cataracts, is losing her hearing, and spent 5 days in the ER vet recently with her 2nd round of pneumonia in 6 months. On the positive side she doesnt seem to be in pain, she flat out runs down the hall for meal time, enjoys chasing (slowly) the random squirrel, can still dig a massive hole in the sand at the beach, loves car rides, belly rubs, and chasing sticks. She generally still seems to be enjoying life at an admittedly slower pace.

I just shot off a $7,000 credit card payment for her last ER stay, knowing she's got a CT scan scheduled for Monday to try to get to the bottom of the reoccurring pneumonia. Another $2,500. I'm not infinitely wealthy but at the same time cant see myself deciding her time is up just because it's expensive. I always told myself the deciding factor was going to be her quality of life, not mine. So if she's pain free and still enjoying the things she's always enjoyed well then I'll do my part and keep her going.

How do you all approach balancing end of life decisions like this?

As I've mentioned elsewhere on this forum, I recently lost my kitty of 18.5 years. We figure she was about 20 years old (arrived at our house as a stray).

We faithfully took our cats to the vet at least once a year for a checkup. Our vet told us a little over a year ago that our kitty was in the early stages of kidney failure, so we had an idea what was coming.

Meanwhile, she gradually lost weight (thyroid meds began) and we modified her diet. She showed signs of arthritis in her joints. Her water intake gradually increased, as expected. I went out of my way to keep her comfortable including her own camp chair with folded beach towel in the backyard. I was always with her when she wanted to go outside. I kept up this routine as long as she looked content and peaceful.

Near the end she started a mournful meow on occasion and stopped eating. We had her put down the next day. Our vet told us we were doing the right thing.

Stay in close touch with your veterinarian. Ours told what signs to look for when it was time. It was still very difficult to do.

[DETRoadster]

Thanks for the kind comments, all. Lots of good advice.

We have been in contact with a local vet that does in-home euthanasia, 24-7. We are set up in their system so whether it's next week or 2 years from now, we call and say "its time" and they come on over. Any time, day or night.

I think one thing we have going for us is that Bella is a total wussy and a massive foodie. She doesnt hide her pain; she screams. And if she refuses a meal or a treat we know with 100% certainty there's something seriously wrong. So using those two indicators I think we have a pretty good shot at quickly understanding when something is wrong. Literally, as I'm typing this, I heard her starting to whine. A quick look at the clock confirms it's 5:57 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM sharp every night. Her internal clock is incredible.

The real variable in all this is her re-occurring pneumonia. If the CT scan confirms the suspicion that she has a fungal infection in her sinuses, and it's treatable, she'll be in good shape. if the source of the pneumonia is unknown after the scan, or, they find she has a fungal infection that's done serious damage to the bones in her skull, then another bout of pneumonia is a simple matter if when and not if. We decided if that happens again we are not putting her through another week in the ER. We will have to take action and put her down peacefully at home.

[Esteban]

DETRoadster, Bella is so cute and adorable. Reading your post and seeing that photo of her brings a tear to my eye.

I lost a cat several years ago to lymphoma. He was about 14. It was very sad. I cried like a baby when I had to give him up.

I like what the above posters said. I especially like what Sara said. I think that's good advice. Good luck and best wishes to your baby and you.

[RickFLM4]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Thanks for the kind comments, all. Lots of good advice.

We have been in contact with a local vet that does in-home euthanasia, 24-7. We are set up in their system so whether it's next week or 2 years from now, we call and say "its time" and they come on over. Any time, day or night.

I think one thing we have going for us is that Bella is a total wussy and a massive foodie. She doesnt hide her pain; she screams. And if she refuses a meal or a treat we know with 100% certainty there's something seriously wrong. So using those two indicators I think we have a pretty good shot at quickly understanding when something is wrong. Literally, as I'm typing this, I heard her starting to whine. A quick look at the clock confirms it's 5:57 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM sharp every night. Her internal clock is incredible.

The real variable in all this is her re-occurring pneumonia. If the CT scan confirms the suspicion that she has a fungal infection in her sinuses, and it's treatable, she'll be in good shape. if the source of the pneumonia is unknown after the scan, or, they find she has a fungal infection that's done serious damage to the bones in her skull, then another bout of pneumonia is a simple matter if when and not if. We decided if that happens again we are not putting her through another week in the ER. We will have to take action and put her down peacefully at home.

Sounds like you have a very good plan. We all hope it ends up in the 2 year horizon.

[Esteban]

DETRoadster, I think the home euthanasia is a good idea when the time comes. As I mentioned above, when I had to give up my cat to the vet I felt terrible. I don't want to watch them die but I want to know for sure that he/she is as comfortable as possible in their own home and dies peacefully. I'll do home euthanasia for my animal the next time I'm in that position.

[Sara]

It's been a long 5 weeks. There were a few nights I didn't think she would make it.

These are from today

Sound on

Sorry for the gruesome hoof pic. You can see how much it's healing. It's still a pretty deep wound, however it should heal within a year if she keeps progressing.

[Sara]

Jacqueline's mom <3 The OG. She's probably the oldest pet in this thread.

[CDN-Driver]

Sara, it's wonderful that she is doing well.

[stein_325i]

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Finn's friend Leia came over and wore him out.

[twinturbovan]

I come here to fill this thread with the great Ken Block the Corgi (Yes his name is Ken Block. I named him after Ken Block himself and hes rocking Wolf Gangs Ken Block Livery Collar/Leash):

[M5Rick]

[QUOTE=twinturbovan;28295746]I come here to fill this thread with the great Ken Block the Corgi (Yes his name is Ken Block. I named him after Ken Block himself and hes rocking Wolf Gangs Ken Block Livery Collar/Leash):

*I love Corgi's!

[RickFLM4]

Ginger enjoying her new bed. I think they screwed up the stitching of her name a little. Looks worse in the picture than in person somehow. Probably not going to deal with it and just live with it. Doesn’t seem to bother her.

[CDN-Driver]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Ginger enjoying her new bed. I think they screwed up the stitching of her name a little. Looks worse in the picture than in person somehow. Probably not going to deal with it and just live with it. Doesn't seem to bother her.

Cute, I'm sure she will not mind.

[AlpineBoost]

Our girls soaking up the sun today

[M5Rick]

Too cold for a walk.

[DETRoadster]

Bella is feeling lousy after her CT scan and rhinoscopy yesterday. She doesn't do well with anesthesia and hasn't eaten for almost 48 hours. She was pacing and whining all last night.

Fingers crossed she snaps out of it tomorrow and we get some results from the radiologist and the lab.

[CDN-Driver]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Bella is feeling lousy after her CT scan and rhinoscopy yesterday. She doesn't do well with anesthesia and hasn't eaten for almost 48 hours. She was pacing and whining all last night.

Fingers crossed she snaps out of it tomorrow and we get some results from the radiologist and the lab.

Hoping she feels better soon!

[Hawkeye]

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

Bella is feeling lousy after her CT scan and rhinoscopy yesterday. She doesn't do well with anesthesia and hasn't eaten for almost 48 hours. She was pacing and whining all last night.

Fingers crossed she snaps out of it tomorrow and we get some results from the radiologist and the lab.

Prayers for the doggo, that is hard. Had a similar experience earlier this year

[Maynard]

Simple tip to encourage wife to let you leave those extra seats in the TV room a few days longer: surreptitiously rub a little catnip on select areas of the moving blankets.

Can't let the Pet Thread sink to page 2. And Me and my girls all send our best wishes to Bella.

[Sara]

I love my goofball <3 She’s feeling good today.

[Lady Jane]

Anyone can relate?

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