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Barnyard Buddies:  Older pets what would you do update?  |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 10:41:25 AM
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My 12yo Newfoundland is not doing well at all. She is eating and drinking but not much and not able to move with much ease. She is 12 and past her given life expectancy but how much do I do to keep her going? If I had Millions of dolars I would do it all but money is tight and and really think she is not having a very good life right now. She is going to the Vet today so will have that side of it but just wanted to know what you gals think?
She is my best friend!
I said good bye and she is in a better place.
Thanks Ladies.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
Edited by - gramadinah on Oct 04 2010 2:45:53 PM |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 10:55:38 AM
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we have an elderly (16 years!) half Bassett hound and she is so gimpy and deaf as a post. We are having a lot of the same issues. We love her lots but we also don't want her to suffer.
If she is obviously hurting and there isn't the money to ease her pain. I would put her down. There is no good time to lose a beloved pet and you have to be comfortable with your decision in your heart if you go that route.
*Hugs*
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 12:04:04 PM
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Diana, I agree with Annika. If she is in pain I think that's the best thing for her. And for you also. I know you do not want to see her in pain and not be able to do anything about it. I have 13 year old Rat Terrier sisters. They are good so far except they are both going deaf. They are outside dogs. They are doing really well though. I do have to put a heat lamp out for them in winter. And sweaters. You should listen to your heart and do what you think is best for her. We will all be thinking of you and will be here for you.
Hugs, Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 12:26:02 PM
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diana i am with the girls. its such a tough decision. you will know when the time is right. some how we know these things. i think since we are farm woman we have that heart the heart that knows. its a sad hard thing to do out of love. it can be done. i did it at my home. i had the vet come here. then i handled the rest. or you could take him in. i did that once. its harder i think. i am sad for you and pray you have the power to do what is right for you both. sending hugs and love sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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Lessie Louise
True Blue Farmgirl
1406 Posts
Carol
PECULIAR
MO
USA
1406 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 1:01:20 PM
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Our lab is over ten and really starting to age. I think every day that I have the strength to do the right thing when the time comes. We have had other, older pets put down and each time we knew the time was "right". I have a friend that would not put her dog down even tho it couldn't walk, hear or see, but kept saying she just couldn't. At that point it just was not fair to the dog. You will do the right thing when the time comes. There is a sweet poem out there called the Rainbow Bridgr that is comforting. You will be in my thoughts, Carol
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad!
Farmgirl #680! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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foreverbooks
True Blue Farmgirl
514 Posts
Carole
Tombstone
AZ
USA
514 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 1:22:41 PM
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Diana, as hard as it is, I agree with the consensus. My daughter just recently had to put down their dog, Magic. She was 13 years old and it was getting harder and harder for her to get around. She was starting to snap at people so she was obviously in pain. There was no guarantees with any of the treatments so... Magic was my grandson's best buddy and it was hard on the whole family but for the best.
Carole
In light, love, and friendship! |
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Merry
True Blue Farmgirl
765 Posts
Merry
Ankeny
Iowa
USA
765 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 2:20:35 PM
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Diana, you will know the right thing to do, and the right time to do it. I truly believe that. You won't let your best friend suffer, and you won't cut her life short before its time, you'll do the right thing.
Merry
Farmgirl #536
http://afarminmyheart.blogspot.com/
Your life is an occasion, rise to it. Mr. Magorium |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3336 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3336 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 2:42:17 PM
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I am so sorry. I can completely empathize with you and your situation.
We are going through the very same thing with our cat. She is not using her litter box anymore only if we pick her up and place her in it-She has an accident at least once a day. She walks as though she is stepping on glass and very, very slowly. We are hanging on and hoping she will recover, but we know that she is winding down. Not too long ago, we had her at the vets and it was close to $400.00 for treatment. I am not working outside the home and with medical bills, dental bills, and a new water line to pay for we just can't take her to the vet. When it becomes beyond bearable for Tibbitts we will have to take her in and have her put to sleep. It's very sad. Her quality of life is just not what it should be, but we putting off making the decision. We know it would be kinder to just let her go to sleep, but it's just a hard thing to do...she has been with us since the kids were little.
Take care Diana. My thoughts are with you.
Melody
Farmgirl #525
www.lemonverbenasoap.etsy.com
www.bythebayhandcraftedsoap.blogspot.com |
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MaryLD
True Blue Farmgirl
861 Posts
Mary
New Braunfels
TX
USA
861 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 5:57:27 PM
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Hugs and Love to you, Diana.
I wish you the very best as you keep saying goodbye to your dear friend, now set free.
Mary LD
Haflingers- You can't have just one!
( I'm just one short of a drill team!) |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 6:24:27 PM
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Yes, love and hugs to you Diana. I am so sorry that you have lost your dear friend and companion. letting one go that is suffering is an act of selflessness and grace. Thinking of you and sending more hugs...You did the very kindest thing that you could do.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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texdane
Farmgirl Legend Chapter Leader Chapter Guru
4658 Posts
Nicole
Sandy Hook
CT
USA
4658 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 6:47:07 PM
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I am so sorry to hear. It is so hard to see our furbabies age.
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 6:47:43 PM
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I am currently in the same position with my 17 year old cat. He is still able to eat and gets around fairly well but he has arthritis in one front leg from an old injury and although he eats well his can't keep on the weight. So far he seems comfortable except for the arthritis. Having worked in a rescue you have to make a decision as to quality versus quantity. Quality is the important thing. If there is pain that cannot be relieved then it is time to let them go. I learned at the rescue that you can look into their eyes and they will tell you when it is time. My heart goes out to you but your heart will tell you when it is time. The trust you to know and take care of them.
Farmgirl Sister 572
When manure happens just say "WOO HOO Fertilizer". |
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rschaaf
True Blue Farmgirl
174 Posts
Renee
Wooster
Ohio
USA
174 Posts |
Posted - Oct 04 2010 : 7:50:00 PM
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I've worked in the veterinary field and every vet has said that you know the time, your animals tell you. You also have to know when you are fighting a losing battle. You must consider their quality of life. I know it is so hard. I've had to do it afew times in my life and it's NEVER an easy decision or one that you don't always wonder if their was more you could do. But, you must find solice in the fact that you know that they aren't in pain anymore and that they are perfect now. I have to stop, I'm tearing up...Hugs to you and your family.
"There is beauty, there is grace, in my peaceful country place!"
See what I'm up to at: http://www.lifeonctfarm.blogspot.com |
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pnygrl
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Adrianne
Chazy
New York
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Oct 06 2010 : 06:14:25 AM
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| I have always tried to measure Quality of life over Quantity for my animals. Once the quality is no longer there, keeping them around is not the best thing for them. Also, it has to be about them and not about me. They tell me when it is time and I make sure I am listening. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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Beverley
True Blue Farmgirl
2707 Posts
Beverley
atlanta
Michigan
USA
2707 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 8:40:43 PM
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Oh diana My newfie is 10 and a half and we are thinking the same things. My husband today had to help her up cause she could not get herself up. She is mostly deaf too. We keep thinking one of these days. So my heart is with you...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
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gramadinah
True Blue Farmgirl
3557 Posts
Diana
Orofino
ID
USA
3557 Posts |
Posted - Oct 11 2010 : 9:44:27 PM
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Beverly I miss her something awful but I know she is in a better place and out of pain.
Aren't they just the best companions and friends. I hated to see her like that but I could tell she was ready.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #273 |
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gypsy goat
True Blue Farmgirl
673 Posts
mary jo
michigan
673 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 05:56:45 AM
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i am so sorry about the loss of your beloved furry one-that is one of the hardest decisions to make. sometimes we have to put our feeling aside and think of our friend and what they need over what we want. i hope you have many wonderful memories and they comfort your heart in your time of sorrow. big farmgirl hug coming your way from a fellow animal lover
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 07:30:19 AM
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iam so sorry for you. i know how hard it is to do the right thing sometimes. sending hugs and love to you and your family. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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FebruaryViolet
True Blue Farmgirl
4810 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4810 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2010 : 07:35:35 AM
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It's the hardest thing, Diana...and I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember the "quiet" in the house after I had to put Lily to sleep...it was almost devastating. You get so used to their snorts, and their sighs and snores. And I missed the clicking of her toenails on the hardwood.
It does get better--there isn't a day that goes by I don't think of her fondly, but you and I both know you made the right decision. I only wish that we could make those decisions for each other when we get so sick...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
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Barnyard Buddies: Older pets what would you do update? |
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Older pets what would you do update?
