Greta--It Is Nealry Time

[JaneW]

Nearly time to say goodbye to my dog, Greta. All her little aging issues are merging into too much pain and debility for a dog whose only interest in life is movement. I've known this was coming for the last year or so, and now she has a cavity in a tooth that is likely infected. She is terrified of going to the vet, and the last time she had anesthesia she was very ill afterward. She also has digestive problems and chronic back and shoulder pain that is not responding to medication or supplements. I plan to have her euthanized at home while she is happy and unknowing, before she has a crisis that requires it be done in pain and fear at the vet's office.

[macoduck]

 

I am sorry that this time has come for your girl.

[LaFlaca]

My heart aches for all that you are going through. I pray that Greta's passing is peaceful. Gentle hugs to you both.

[Fostr_Mom]

You are a very loving Momma, giving her the greatest gift. It is never easy. Big hugs to you, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Rickiesmom]

I am so sorry. Your gift to Greta of a peaceful passing at home is the greatest you can give.

[robinw]

It's rough, isn't it?

[JaneW]

Thank you everyone. I firmly believe that it is better to choose a day too soon than to wait a day too long.

 

Yesterday I found the tooth cavity and had already decided not to put her through more dental work because she had difficulty the last time, and that was several years ago when she was still otherwise robust. Then I woke up late this morning, but she was not up pacing around wondering why I was still in bed as she usually does when I'm late. When I went to look for her, she was in her bed in the awkward splayed position that indicates considerable pain, and she still didn't move when she saw me. I have a horror of waiting too long and having her die in pain and fear. We will have a few more weeks, till her meds are running out.

[Houndtime]

You are her best friend. She looks to you to give her peace and make her pain free. G-d bless.

[Remolacha]

you are doing what is best for her, hard as it is for you

 

 

[GreyPoopon]

I'm sorry. I hope you both enjoy her remaining time.

[schultzlc]

I'm sorry that her time is near, enjoy every second with her until then.

[mychip1]

Enjoy each moment with her- and then take comfort in the fact that you are giving her the greatest gift of a passing with peace and love.

[Guest Downtownhoundz]

Oh gosh, I feel so sad, but am happy she had you in her life and she in yours!

[Guest greytbig]

Jane,

I wish every pet could have their people in the same mindset as yourself. As difficult as it is to say goodbye (I like to believe that it's "until we meet again") your decision is the kindest, most loving one that can be made. You are thinking of what Greta is feeling and going through, and basing your decision on those factors. We just had to make this decision five days ago. Our Snappy broke his leg, which lead to an Osteo diagnosis. We are fortunate to have a wonderful veterinarian who came to our home to help Snappy have a more peaceful journey to a place where he has no more pain or illness. He is the same vet who did the same for my last Grey in 2005. I don't know if you have done this before, (having the vet to the house) but in my personal experience......I just found myself at a loss for the right words. Let me just say that in both of my experiences, my dogs were as comfortable as they could be. My face was the last thing they saw before they left. I'm certain that they wouldn't have wanted it any other way, and I'm certain that Greta would agree. Hugs and kisses to you both. You will cherish these days that you have forever. You know her better than anyone else. So, if the time comes sooner, you will know.

[JaneW]

Thank you very much everyone.

[Batmom]

If she has an infected tooth, she really needs to see a vet, fear or not. Infection in the mouth is very painful and can lead to fatal sepsis. There are many anaesthesia protocols, which can be adjusted based on past history.

 

I'm sorry she isn't well and hope she has much more good time with you.

[MaryJane]

If she has an infected tooth, she really needs to see a vet, fear or not. Infection in the mouth is very painful and can lead to fatal sepsis. There are many anaesthesia protocols, which can be adjusted based on past history.

 

I'm sorry she isn't well and hope she has much more good time with you.

 

I agree with going to the vet and taking care of the tooth - if she needs to have it removed, then make whatever decisions at that time but, many older dogs can undergo anesthesia successfully and recover from it. How old is she?

[MarcR]

Having faced this same decision twice this summer, I know how hard this is. Cherish the time you have together.

[sabrina]

Tough decisions a pet owner has to make, hugs to Greta & you during this difficult time

[carronstar]

I know you will cherish every moment you have with Greta.

[RaineysMom]

I'm so sorry you are going through this

 

can you see if your vet will do a housecall when it's time? We were lucky that ours did for Nube.

 

sending hugs.

[JaneW]

The tooth is just the final issue that sets the time. She is nearly 12 and I'm not going put her through major dental surgery again just to try to extend her life a little longer when she is in chronic pain from back and shoulder issues, has increasing digestive issues, is allergic to many medications and foods and environmental things, and is not responding to the pain meds she can tolerate. She wants to run and take long walks and her body just won't anymore. She is too lame to walk as much as she wants to, and she has fallen on the steps so many times that she is becoming afraid of them, and I cannot lift her. I have done as much as I can with my resources. She is not enjoying her life anymore. It is time.

 

The vet will come to my house when we are ready.

Thank you everyone for your support, it means a lot to me.

[45MPHK9]

Infection in the mouth is very painful and can lead to fatal sepsis.

 

Can your vet prescribe a course of antibiotics and pain meds without a visit? Not sure if your sweet baby is already on these types of meds. So sorry that she's not feeling well.

[Hubcitypam]

If she has an infected tooth, she really needs to see a vet, fear or not. Infection in the mouth is very painful and can lead to fatal sepsis. There are many anaesthesia protocols, which can be adjusted based on past history.

I'm sorry she isn't well and hope she has much more good time with you.

Ditto

Dealing with a 14 year old dog here with multiple heath issues that will have extraction(s) Thursday due to an infected molar. The vet said without extraction even with the clindamycin it could move into his bloodstream in 1-2 months.

You know your dog better than any of us.

Edited September 25, 2012 by Hubcitypam

[JaneW]

Please--the tooth is not something to solve. The vet knows about it. Antibiotics are risky with her and we are not doing them. It is not yet painful, apparently (she has no problem biting down on her toothbrush) but it smells a bit. Her back, however, is so painful today that she is having difficulty lying down and that is with a full dose of the only pain med she can tolerate plus allergy meds which also seem to help. She is also on all sorts of supplements. They just are not enough anymore.

 

I'm not going to address any more suggestions on how to solve her problems. She is old and worn out and tired and has been in pain just about long enough. Possibly more than long enough. I will not keep her here just because I don't want to let her go.