I posted a picture of Doc the other day. He is the eldest of our two male miniature dachschunds and has now been diagnosed with spinal problems (typical of the breed) and has nearly finished the course of cortisone the vet prescribed. We have had him inside the back veranda for days now and Son has slept with him over the last few nights to keep him all warm and cosy, but today Doc is shivering and listless and has this blank expression in his eyes. He is also a little stiff, very lethargic and just seems miserable. He isn’t whimpering, but I intuit that he is in pain and I’m not sure what to do. I think we need to make a decision.
Any dog advice appreciated. Son and I are going to give him a few more hours of love and then take him back to the vet to put him out of his misery. But what if we are wrong?
jmgoyder 
I’ve always believed in erring on the side of mercy instead of waiting. Quality of life, to me, outweighs quantity. But everyone has to make their own decision, their own way. I feel for you and your son.
Good advice – thank you.
You’re not wrong. The mistake I have made with most of my pets is to be selfish and keep them alive too long because I can’t bear to let them go. Putting them to sleep will put them out of their misery and pain. Remember that you’re doing this for the pet because you love him. I’ve regretted for years that I let one of my cats suffer too long because I didn’t want to let go. If I had it to do over again, I would have acted sooner. The end result is the same. It’s just a matter of how much suffering we want to inflict on our animals to satisfy our own selfish feelings. It will be okay. That’s life. Death is part of that whether we like it or not.
Thank you for this – I guess I just don’t want to be too hasty.
Jules, He does not look happy, and looks like he is in pain, while it may be painful to you and all of yours, I hesitate, to tell you what I think, If he has gone through all of the Vet’s idea’s and has not improved, The decision is yours. But, my thoughts, are to put him out of his misery, give him some love, and let him feel the love. I don’t know what else to say other than to send you HUGs from me to you….
Thanks so much Jo – I think you are right. Jx
It’s too bad our beloved canine pets don’t live as long as we do. I just lost a faithful companion who was suffering. I made the decision, fed her a steak dinner the night before and held her while the vet did the sad deed. My heart is there with you.
Thank you Pat.
He has given you all his love and devotion, soon it will be time to do the right thing for him even though it will be hard for you.
Trouble is I’m not sure!
You know him best. The vet can help you with this decision. But if you truly feel that he has no quality of life, then, of course, putting him out of his misery is the best decision. I am sorry, for I know that, no matter what, this is difficult.
It’s very hard to tell with this breed if they are in pain because they suffer so silently – argh.
I am really hurting for you. This is never an easy decision – and I have always second-guessed myself afterward.
Yes, it’s that second guessing that is driving me mad!
so, so tough – your doc reminds me of my Annie – the grey snout and all. Annie is a mature mini dachshund. this past holiday season i thought it was over, she could barely stand up and was so listless. not sure what happened, but she rebounded and although she’s still a lot slower than she used to be, she also seems to be twice as sassy –
very tough call – if she hadn’t rebounded as quickly as she did i’d have made the same call as you and your son are making
big hugs to you!
Yes, Son and I just decided to put Doc outside with the other 2 dogs and see what happens – in the hope of him rebounding like your Annie. Thank you Beth.
(hug)
thx
As a pet owner and as the one who loves your “Doc” you will know in your heart and soul if it is time. Don’t rush the decision but, folllow your instincts. If you’re not sure today, wait and it will soon become apparent. He will let you know. Best wishes!!
Thanks Lisa – we will take it hour by hour. I really appreciate your comment. Julie
this past weekend I had an elephant stand on my chest. I thought, I’m having a heart attack. The pain was like nothing I’d ever felt before…’Ok, so I started to pray to God to hurry up already! I shouldn’t have suffer, Im not on a TV show. But I’m not scared of death because all who passed before me- my two Golden Retriever, soul mate & love of my life, Walter will be there. I have chronic pain. I’ve been where Doc is. He is stiff with pain, release him from it, Is the greatest gift you can give him. Please believe that. I cry for you & Doc & Son
Yes, but his nose is still wet and he just ate some food. On the other hand, the birds are all outside and he isn’t barking at them like he usually does – he’s just looking at them. Oh this is so hard – to know what to do I mean.
not mean. He hurts. Imagine throwing out your back & knowing the pain is going to get worse. However if he ate, I would keep him with you as much as you can. When he stops eating…help him
He still eats a bit so maybe…. but you are right, that is the surest sign – thank you!
I could plant a million kisses on Doc’s sweet forehead. What a doll.
Julie, I’m sorry to hear about Doc’s degenerating health. I’ll hold out hope for a surprise rebound. You know the essence of animals. You can trust yourself to make the right decision.
Thanks Melissa – I hope so. Juliex
Such a difficult decision to make (when pets are beloved members of the family).
I would go by your Vet’s advice.
I guess you could also get a 2nd opinion from a different vet (like I am about to do tomorrow about a personal health problem which needs surgery).
I don’t like to see anyone, man or beast, suffering. But when your doggie pet can’t communicate with you, you just have to accept that the ultimate decision is up to you (and Son). At least your Vet can ensure that if Doc does need to be ‘put to sleep’, it will be done in a humane way to ensure Doc doesn’t suffer any pain or distress.
Thanks Vicki and all the best for tomorrow – Juliex
Thanks Julie.
You can keep using prednisolone long term if it helps. Also there are other forms of pain relief (Tramadol is my favourite) your Vet can add to the mix. Give him 24 hours – he may pick up.
I will pray for the right thing to happen and a peaceful passing whenever it comes.
Thanks DD!
These times are always hard on us. We always second guess, and try to hang on because we love them so much. If you really trust your vet, then take Doc in and have a heart to heart with the vet. ~ Lynda
(How did it go with letting him out with the other dogs?)
He went out but was very subdued (not the usual ferocious Doc!) so he is inside again because the vet isn’t sure either – argh. Decision tomorrow instead of today.
My dad made a little trolly for my neighbors doxie when it broke its back and could no longer walk. Now they are available for purchase. (He never patented his invention!!! 😦 ) Not sure how you feel about putting the pup in a device to get about, but if you can get the pressure off those disks then maybe he will feel a bit better. (???) Poor little guy. ~ L
Yes, I’ve heard of those trolleys. Not sure!
I drew the line for our dogs when he would only lay on his side. He wouldn’t eat or drink so we knew it was the end for him. Our other dog could no longer move on her own. If you question it, he may not be quite ready. We definately knew when it was time.
Good advice – as Son and I are still uncertain we are giving it another day to see how Doc goes. Thank you very much.
Wow what a hard place to be ….sry to hear
Thanks Tim!
I agree with Vicki Jules. Your vet can help you decide.
When our german shepherd Sir Noble Blibo Baggins we went through a similar thing. He was 17 and had hip displasia so bad he needed to be carried outside to go to the bathroom. Yet we resisted because it seemed so confusing. And our daughters were then so small our youngest said to, “But if we were sick you’d not let us go to sleep for a long long time.I lost it.
Its not easy to watch our fur babies be in pain, or decide for them when its time. But Dooc knows what a great life you have given him there on the farm. Whatever the vet tells you will help you make the right choice for Doc. I’m so sorry Jules. Do you need anything more?
Thanks BB – still got my fingers crossed. Your Sir Noble sounds like he was a character!
such beautiful, trusting eyes he has
Let me tell you two stories; one is Ziggy the dollar a day kitty and the other is Opal.
Opal was my ex husbands favorite kitty. She was found unable to walk or move her backend. We think she got stepped on by a cow. He took her to the vet & they thought… we should let her go but right then she stood up and looked Greg in the eye. He said is there anything & the vet said I can put her in a cast & we shall see. What happened next over the next couple of weeks is a miracle. She started rolling around in that cast & then soon was jumping like alittle sheep. She survived and was able to walk even though she had a lump in her back.
Now Ziggy – one morning I saw him still in my bed. My favorite grey kitty. He like Opal could not move his back end. His prognosus from the vet was he had a blood clot that was causing his paralysis. The vet said.. time to let him go. I said oh no. He then said we can try some blood thiners. 700 dollars later I got him home & slowly like a stoke victim he regained his back legs use. He lived another 3 plus years. So, he became our dollar a day kitty
The moral is…. if you think it is not right to let them go…fight for them & you can see they can come around for years more of good life.
Take care my friend!! Love will show you the way. r
I love your stories of Ziggy and Opal and this has made me leave things for another day in the hope Doc will rally tomorrow. He is sleeping peacefully in the chair near me now and not shivering so you never know!
hope is good & glad to see you rallying. You know you need your blog family!! 🙂
Yes it definitely is a family – so strange and new for me!
Sending Love and prayers for Doc. This is so hard as animals can’t speak to us easily. Follow your instincts as I know you are an empath and will have a strong sense of what Doc is experiencing. As someone who lives in unrelenting pain, I am not one to advocate allowing any being to suffer indefinitely. On the other hand, if he has an appetite, perhaps there is hope this can cycle around for him. Please keep us posted…Doc is in my heart tonight….
Thanks Robyn. You are more than generous – knowing what you are going through and Doc is, after all, a dog, not a human. I wish he could speak. Love Julie.
I am so sorry that you have to go through this. When my cat was chronically ill, people accused me of keeping her alive for me, and I questioned myself endlessly. but to me she just seemed like a grouchy old lady 😉 But was it pain? I really didn’t know.. But honestly, the day it was truly time, she let me know, it was very clear (which surprised me actually, I expected a slow downhill, where I would have the difficulty of deciding). But in the end, she told me when, not that it was any easier to go through with, but i was thankful that it became clear. So I wish that for you, that it gets clearer, but either way I would say trust your instinct!
Okay, TK – thankyou!
I am so sorry that you are going through this… I have certainly been there more than once myself… and it’s just heartbreaking. My heart goes out to you. Sending so much love and healing energy your way, and if your gorgeous little doggie does cross over… know that he will always be with you, and he will always know that he was loved.
Thanks very much Tracie.
Hello from California,
I feel for you! From my experience, he will let you know when he is ready. I know it sounds weird, but I had to put my beloved German Shepherd girl to sleep (she was 13) last Christmas and it was heartbreaking.
However, it was time. For a month prior to that, she was starting to go downhill fast. But she still had life and seemed to be enjoying it. One day the vet suggested to do it that day and we didn’t. We had a wonderful weekend with “Chun Sa,” it felt as though she wanted to say good bye to us and have one last weekend together. Then, on Monday, when I came home at lunchtime to check on her, she looked at me with her big brown eyes and she had trouble breathing. I knew what she was telling me. It was time to go. I cried all the way to the vet and on the way home again. But I had peace in my heart – she told me when it was her time.
It’s hard. I still miss her so much. But I sure also couldn’t bring myself to let her suffer.
I am glad your Doc is doing better. Give him a big hug from me please 🙂
I wish you and your family all the best,
Angela
Thanks Angela – we are waiting until tomorrow as Doc doesn’t seem any worse but definitely no better. He is asleep now so let’s see what the morning brings. Jx
When my cat was 17 her health went into decline. She looked miserable and not herself. I took her tho the vet for a check-up and was told her organs were failing and she was declining. I took her home for a few days when her condition worsened and made the decision to put her down.
I was distraught at the time but I knew that she was not suffering any more and would avoid a painful death through organ failure.
Thanks Jane – such a dilemma!
When the time comes to make a decision take advice from the vet.
He seems to have rallied a little.
I have had to do this to a few of my pets, a difficult decision yet a humane one. That look in the eyes, shame. I am just glad I’m not you, I find it so heart breaking. God be with you in your decision.
Thank you so much.
That has happened a few times with our oldest jack russel. He would have days when he would just sit in a cardboard box we filled with doonas and put him near the fire. He had the biggest puppy dog eyes and looked as though he wasn’t doing well. However, in a few days he would be back to normal – I think it was because he ate something that didn’t agree with him, but I’m not sure. I don’t mean to confuse you, but that’s something that has happened to me and my dog.
Good luck xoxox
Thanks – we are waiting for tomorrow now to make a decision.
Oh sweetie, I saw your previous post but couldn’t post anything because I started crying. I know how that feel and my day will come too and now I am crying again…but yes, unfortunately that happens and that day does come and as hard as it would be for me, I wouldn’t want my baby to suffer or have any pain. If the vet can help with the pain and he has hope, then tough it out but if not, let the vet do what is best for Doc. What a sweet little face. I am sorry sweetie, I feel your pain. It’s so unfair that they have to go before us…so unfair. But know that the time they do have with us are filled with so much love and joy and it comes from both sides. They are so special. Thinking of you hon.
*big hugs for you and Doc*
How kind you are – thank you!
Thinking of you. Such a difficult decision which only you can make.
Son and I had an argument about it and we are waiting another day. Doc is sleeping peacefully at the moment.
Awww, Jules, we know exactly how you’re feeling right now. Just spend time loving him and as someone mentioned before, you’ll know when its time.
Thinking of you all.
What’s going on over there? I miss you.
I think you have gotten some good advice, you will know what to do. Go with your gut. It’s a horrible decision to have to make but it’s worse for them to suffer. Luckily my little dog of 12 years went quickly, I don’t envy you.
Your same comment has come through several times – have you had a few wines? Hehehehehe!
It’s so hard but you will know what to do.
I think you have gotten some good advice. You will know.
I think you have gotten some good advice. You will know when it’s time. I am so sorry, it crushed me when I lost my little dog, thank God it was quick.
I think you have gotten some good advice. You will know when it’s time. I am so sorry for you, it crushed me when I lost my little dog, thank God it was quick.
I think you have gotten some good advice. You will know when it’s time. I am so sorry for you and Doc, it crushed me when I lost my little dog, thank God it was quick.
OK you can delete three of those! ^ I am having browser issues LOL
Hahahahah – sorry – browser issue are not funny!
I have issues commenting on your blog – it took me half an hour to get something posted then it never showed up, then it did LOL
I,m so sorry I lost my dog two years ago and it still hurts, just remember he had a good life with you, some dogs don’t even get that, and you’ve got lots of good memories to keep too, he is so cute bless you all xxx
Thank you so much Barbara! Jx
its the hardest thing, we all love our pets so much, as was said you will know once its time..
thanks Dianne!
Poor old Doc 😦 The vet should have a good idea of whether it’s time
Tomorrow will tell – thanks BB!
I would ask for the Vet’s opinion. It may be something you didn’t expect.
I’m sorry that you and Doc are going through this.
I would ask for the Vet’s opinion. It may be something you didn’t expect.
I’m sorry that you and Doc are going through this.
I’m going to take him into the big bed with me right now.
Good for you.
I had three cats die on me recently – They lived with me for over 18 years. It tore my heart out. You never forget!
3 at once – how awful for you.
Two died within one month of each other. The other died six to seven months later. I think he partially died of a broken heart. He hung on FOR me, but he missed the other two cats. He went crazy after they died – disappeared in the house! It took a lot to calm him down. … He’s the one who I use for my Avator Picture. :-} He’s still my heart.
So sorry – so sorry.
🙂 It’s okay. Thank you. Sadly, it is part of life.
So sorry to hear you’re dealing with this. It’s such a hard thing to go through and tough decision. I’m glad you’re discussing your options with the vet and making this decision carefully. You seem to really be in tune with your dog so I’m sure you’ll know the right thing to do when the time comes. Whatever that decision might end up being, make the coming days as nice as possible for your little one- spoil him (favorite treats? a trip to a favorite spot?) and give him lots of love. Prayers are with you all.
Thx Jamie – just subscribed to your great blog. Jx
You’re very welcome. Thanks for dropping by my blog.
So sorry to hear that. I’ve been there and know what a tough decision it is.
We are so sorry to hear about Doc. This is always a tricky situation. We say you have to do what feels right even though it maybe painful. Of course, see what a professional says. We’re standing by to give long distance hugs.
Bella and DiDi
Dear Julie, this is not easy decision I know this. because we did it for our cat too… But there wasn’t any chance and he was in pains… so much pains… with my tears… I can almost understand you all, and right now I am crying too… But this will be your decision and I know your heart will say this to you… sorry dear Julie I can’t stop crying now. My heart is with you, and I pray for this lovely one, Love you, nia
Thanks nia!!!!!!!!
Jules, its never easy to have to make these end of life decisions, but at least for your animals you can rest assured that they don’t have to suffer. Sorry for yoir pain.
Thanks Ddaz
OMG what can I add to 100 comments of advice already?!!
I can at least let you know that his gorgeous gorgeous open eyed beautiful picture is precious – sincere, sincere all the best.
He seems to have rallied a little – dunno – thanks!
I’m working through emails, trying to catch up, so I’ve only just seen this. So sorry.
It’s fine – for goodness sake, you have enough to do without my dog!
When it comes to dogs, we are a sisterhood 🙂
I am late to this so I will read on. Much good advise in comments.
Awwww. <:( I don't have much advise but just never give up hope. (sounds dramatic. Is that all right?) Anyway, hope Doc doesn't die. I have a space of heart in me for the animals. (except for dinosaurs, crocs, alligators, scorpions and termites)
Thank you!!!
I’ve never had a pet that lived to a ripe old age so I am unfamiliar with the symptoms of when it’s time to let them go.
Doc died on Monday but Son said not to post about it – it was too sad.
I am so sorry for you. My thoughts are with you.
We had a dachschund that had that problem when he was 7 yrs old. Believe it or not, we slipped him into our chiropractor after hours. He gave him 7 adjustments and he finally straightened out. He lived for another 7 years. His spine messed up while out in the yard. Yelled like crazy when it happened. Maybe your vet knows of one that can help. It used to be common back in the old days, but not used much today. Too bad they don’t give vets a little adjustment training.
I think this is a brilliant story and suggestion. My brother is a chiropractor and I did think of this but Doc just got almost paralysed and there was also something wrong with his heart to, we had to get the vet to put him down a week ago. I do thank you for this comment however because my brother has adjusted all sorts of animals, even a horse once, with good results.
Sorry, I just read the last comment when I posted. Too late to pull back. Please remove. Sorry.
No it’s fine.
I’ve always believed pets don’t deserve to suffer. They have been so loyal, kind and loving. They truly do not deserve to suffer. My sadness has always come from, I didn’t see the signs soon enough and felt I could have prevented the pain and suffering if only!
You are so right. Doc is now at peace.