My dog went through exactly what you described and we had to come to the same conclusion. When I mean exactly I really do mean it; my last few days were spent holding my german sheppard's chest up while she went to the bathroom.
The tipping point was when I had let her outside and she came back inside only to lose bowel control within 30 seconds of coming indoors. She made a face I'll never forget...it was like she was apologizing for being old. I was super depressed from that point until we took her in a day later to end her suffering. I made the stupid decision not to be there when she passed away (I was younger).
regret wagon inc, whiskey needed.
10. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old. Accompany me on difficult journeys. Never say: "I cannot bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there- even my death.
That part makes me tear up. I can understand because I wouldn't want to die in the presence of a stranger, but rather ine the presence of loved ones. But I still don't know if it's something I could do.
My pets are seriously my kids.
Just curious, does the vet stand there and watch you during your weakest moment, or do they perform the injection and then step away? I got 2 dogs that are getting up there, and will probably be in the same situation before too long.
It's kind of a two stage process. First there's a sedation process where they inject a sedative that makes your dog very drowsy and relaxed. She wasn't asleep, but had her head on my wife's lap. The vet left the room for about 10 minutes while we were with her.
The vet then came back and talked to us for a bit about the next step and what to expect (or more what not to expect). This part was actually sort of odd because he is an older guy...probably in his 60's and was telling us that he had to put both his labs down a year at about the same age as ours...he was actually tearing up telling us about it.
He collected himself, produced "the syringe" and explained that it's really just a matter of seconds and she'll be "gone" before he's done pushing the full dose through.
He put it in her back leg, started the push and a breath or two later she was done. Head in my wife's lap and looking as peaceful as ever.
They double checked with us what our wishes were for her remains and then left us alone until we were ready to leave.
So sorry for your loss.
I took solace in this.... And I am NOT a religious man by ANY means...
But it gets me... Even posting here for you... It gets me.
Cassie is waiting for you.....
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Just curious, does the vet stand there and watch you during your weakest moment, or do they perform the injection and then step away? I got 2 dogs that are getting up there, and will probably be in the same situation before too long.