Thanks Stewart. We knew the time was close and we thought we were ready but I'll admit, when it finally happened we were devastated. It's amazing how big a part of your life they become. Dallas was certainly that. We loved, and miss her, deeply.

I think I may have seen photos of those two. There are two Akitas that have the same names that have had their photos posted in a Facebook group called "Akita World". I'm betting they are the same dogs!

 

Scott, Would ya tell me how she ended? Did you put her down or did she go on her own?
I have a 13 year old Chocolate that is having about as many bad days as good.
When do ya make the choice for them? Or do ya? I have always had to put them
down before there time, do to being injured. Or just to sick. This is the first for me to see
one going down from old age.

So far Angus isn't suffering most of the time. But he has lung problems
that cause him to cough up some nasty stuff most everyday now. Yet the only
time I can see any pain in his eyes is when he is coughing or just after for a minute.
Than he has joint problems as well. But it don't seem to be painful so much
as just making it hard for him to get around after laying down for awhile. IDK.
It's just so hard to make a decision because he really can't tell me
just how much pain he is in. I have learned to watch there eyes to see there pain.
And Angus just don't show that much most of the time. Heck he still plays
with the pup while laying down. Can't chase a stick anymore but will
bring me one to throw for the pup as he wont go after it.
Old boys lungs wont let him go for a walk very far anymore. Son took him yesterday
for about a half mile round trip and I almost had to go get him.
The Vet want's to do a complete work up on him to the tune of 3k
for the ex-rays, Cat scans and blood work. No way we can do that.
Than to have her tell me what we already know.

Guess I am just asking what would ya all do? And when do ya make the
final call for them. He may well get along for years yet. Really I just
don't know.

 

At 13...your chocolate obviously doesn't have much time left. Generally...a dog will let you know...they'll stop eating...no interest in anything...they wind up just sleeping a whole lot more than normal...lose control of bodily functions...etc. Three grand is way too much to spend on Angus...even if you could afford it...it's not fair to him to put him through that stuff. The greatest gift we can give our beloved pets is humane euthanasia...you owe it to him for all he's done for you.

I'm facing the same decisions with my 13 1/2 year old Chow. I rescued her when she was 1 1/2...and on her way to get the needle. Her previous owner moderately abused her and couldn't handle her. She's now crippled up with arthritis...has great difficulty getting up and lying down...has hearing issues...and...her eyesight is going. Her heart is still strong and she greets me with "Happy Tail" when ever she sees me...so all is good for now. She's about 2' behind me right now...snoring up a storm.

 

Thanks Ken. He eats like crazy. Food is like a drug to him. I have to ration him or he will eat till he gets sick.
He is okay for now. It's just when I got home after being gone all day he kinda scared me.
But he seems his very old self now again. He has not soiled him self or anything like that as yet.
So I guess as long as he seems happy and not in a lot of pain than he is doing
about as good as me. And I damn sure don't think I am ready to be put down yet.
Although some seem to think so.

So I have an accident once in a while and they call me Papa Squirts,
I can live with that.

 

Folks may criticize that you are waiting too long to put down a pet. They are wrong.

The animal will let you know when it is time.

The folks who do not see the animal day-in, day-out have no basis for their unwanted opinions - I almost lost a good friend over her offering such unwanted advice.

We have been known to cook anything the old dogs want - whatever it takes to keep them fed. We have been known to sleep on the floor to comfort the dogs while they are taking IV fluids. And when their time arrives, we hold them close while the needle goes in.

You will do the right thing, at the right time.

 

As I have found over the years............the dog will let you know when it is time.

 

 

 

Did I hear right??

 

Hidden Camera Catches Beagle Stealing Chicken Nuggets In Epic Style (VIDEO)

 

 

Photos of dogs taken after leaving the shelter and getting in the car.. | My Inner Child

 

This is my dog but you need to change Friday to car.

I guess the pic didn't come through.

 

Good Post!