the decision..

[icpurple]

I’m posting looking for consolation, I suppose, that I’m not being

selfish if I decide to euthanize my 13 year old Lab, Prizley. I’ve had

him most of his life, and we have another dog one year younger

as well as 2 cats.. For over a month now he’s been increasingly

Anxious at nighttime, moaning, groaning, pacing, and now

barking. Frequent trips outside and mini meals at night bring

little relief until he is able to fall asleep, usually somewhere

between 1- 3 am, but sometimes he keeps going until the sun

comes up. We tried senilife, but didn’t notice much positive

results by the end of the first month, so have been trying to

manage with Benadryl and xanax for about two Weeks, still not

much improvement. The veterinarian has told me she supports

My decision when “it’s time”, and seems to be out of ideas of

other things to try. Prior to the senility/CDS, he’s had a history of

Arthritis, GI issues, and relatively minor lung problems, so was

already taking 5 or 6 other meds, which apparently will

Counteract many anxiety meds. Fortunately his other conditions

are managed effectively with meds. his appetite has consistently

Increased within the past year as transitioned from dry food to

meat and veggies and now canned organic grain free food.

walks daily with , sometimes only for 5 mins, but then times

Like tonite will lead the way for 30 minutes. He sleeps

during the day mostly, so I feel horrible about thinking of

ending his life primarily because of inconvenience to me

my sleep schedule? after reading the dementia article earlier

I put him in a tshirt and gave him some melatonin about an

hour ago. Sadly he continues to whine and pace, so I feel like

I need to prepare myself to seriously consider how long we can

Keep doing this.. Anybody have any ideas or thoughts? thank you..

[Lena]

I know how hard this decision is. A little over a year ago we had to make it with my little almost 15 year old dog Mel. He had cancer that had returned after two years but his main symptoms was that he was up every half hour all night. My largest issue was he was pretty good during the day however my sanity was going. I was able to help him for awhile with some of the times I recommend but there reached a time when nothing was working anymore and I was going crazy.

Sometime dementia and anxiety reach a point where nothing works and we know they are only getting worse. I think it is different dog to dog when the right time is. For me working with a shaman Rose DeDan towards the end helped me realize that Mel was clearly ready to go as well. He didn’t want to live he life in the way he was living it and he didn’t feel very good even though he was somewhat ok during the day.

With both my dogs that I have lost over the last three years dementia was a large part of their decline. I was amazed that within the sadness over their lose there was also a large sense of relief. I realized when they were gone and could remember them in their prime easier how much they were suffering through their dementia and I was glad I was able to let them go before it got worse.

Sometimes euthanasia, while hard, is one of the greatest gifts we can give our animal companions in the end.

[icpurple]

Thank you for your sincerity and empathy, Lena. I can feel your

understanding through your story.

I actually called my veterinarian today to schedule a home

Visit for euthanasia, but she is out this week so I spoke with another

doctor who recommended a change in meds. We’re decreasing

theophylline and switching anxiety meds. I also purchased a

thunder shirt. So far he seems to be feeling less anxious this

Evening, we’ll see how he does at bedtime. In the meantime I’m

Certainly taking to heart that sometimes the best thing we can do

Is help them to the next phase of life, trying to wrap my head

Around the fact that I will likely have to make that decision, although

hopefully we can postpone it some. Thank you also for the shamans

Name. I will consider consultation.

Your support is much appreciated, and I hope you’re enjoying

Your holiday season.

[Lena]

I really hope you do have a little more time with Prizley with him being more comfortable and you sleeping better. There were a couple people who also added some comments about Prizley on the path with paws facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Path-With-Paws/363205485501

[Author]

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