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This thread is godsent as I am contemplating about euthanasia now for my 16+ year old Lab.
He has his fair share of issues which have developed over the last few years (arthritis, some dementia, an enlarged heart and failing kidneys). He is also almost completely deaf. He had three strokes/vestibular episodes the last three months which he recovered from in no time. He also gets bouts of diarrhoea from time to time. He is on multiple meds for his arthritis, dementia, heart and kidneys. He does have occasional accidents inside and is sleeping on diapers. However, he still eats like a typical Lab and he still goes for a slow stroll in the park and enjoys sniffing the grass and lying in the sun, watching people and dogs go by.
The other members of the family are not for putting him down, and I tend to agree for now, but if he becomes unable to walk at some point and his life comes down to lying on diapers and just eating and breathing, I'd tend to make the decision to let go. He is a heavy dog that has to be lifted on the stairs (he can't go up since his back legs are becoming weaker and weaker) and the trips to the park are becoming more of a struggle. And there is the issue that all household members have to agree on making the decision.
Sometimes I wish pets could just talk.
He has his fair share of issues which have developed over the last few years (arthritis, some dementia, an enlarged heart and failing kidneys). He is also almost completely deaf. He had three strokes/vestibular episodes the last three months which he recovered from in no time. He also gets bouts of diarrhoea from time to time. He is on multiple meds for his arthritis, dementia, heart and kidneys. He does have occasional accidents inside and is sleeping on diapers. However, he still eats like a typical Lab and he still goes for a slow stroll in the park and enjoys sniffing the grass and lying in the sun, watching people and dogs go by.
The other members of the family are not for putting him down, and I tend to agree for now, but if he becomes unable to walk at some point and his life comes down to lying on diapers and just eating and breathing, I'd tend to make the decision to let go. He is a heavy dog that has to be lifted on the stairs (he can't go up since his back legs are becoming weaker and weaker) and the trips to the park are becoming more of a struggle. And there is the issue that all household members have to agree on making the decision.
Sometimes I wish pets could just talk.
