[DevWind]

This is about my old girl, Roxanne. She’s 11 years old. Medium sized. We have no clue as to breed. Anyway, I noticed today that I could see her spine sticking out a bit. She really didn’t want to eat today either.

I’ve never had a dog that just slowly wasted away like her. They all had something sudden happen, like an illness or a serious mental decline.

I have a firm belief that it’s wrong to allow an animal to suffer. I worry about how skinny she has gotten. She’s always been skinny but now she looks like we simply don’t feed her.
She’s the bigger brindle dog
El Tango De Roxanne CD RN “Roxanne” my novice A dog

 

[ArkansasGold]

If you need reassurance, I am firm believer that it’s better to let them go a smidge too early than a second too late. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I know how much you love all of your babies.

 

[bitsybama]

Roxanne looks like a sweet girl ❤ - I hope you find the right path forward

 

[Berna]

Did you take her to the vet? She probably has a health condition and maybe it's manageable? I'd go to the vet for a complete checkup and bloodwork. I have an almost 17 year old so 11 year olds are still babies in my book.

 

[DevWind]

My husband isn't ready to let her go just yet. She does eat most of the time. Every time she skips a meal, I worry. I had a dog stop eating once and has to put her down a week later. She's not a super happy dog, she's very anxious and spends most of her time alone in a dark room. Just not a good life for a dog in my opinion. Quality of life is a huge deal to me. There's no way I would extend her life to 17. It just wouldn't be fair to her.

 

[Ontariodogsitter]

We have an aging boy, probably 15, lab mix.
I am watching him slowly changing, definitely deaf, his back is getting a bit wobbly and the hips are starting to show. He skips an occasional meal, but in general still trots to his supper happily.

Interestingly enough when I look at my human life partner, I see the same changes, so I don't find the signs of aging all that alarming.

I know the lab will not be able to take another winter in our climate, but hoping for one last summer for him.
( yes, I am hoping to keep my human partner a bit longer )

 

[Berna]

My husband isn't ready to let her go just yet. She does eat most of the time. Every time she skips a meal, I worry. I had a dog stop eating once and has to put her down a week later. She's not a super happy dog, she's very anxious and spends most of her time alone in a dark room. Just not a good life for a dog in my opinion. Quality of life is a huge deal to me. There's no way I would extend her life to 17. It just wouldn't be fair to her.

All I am saying is take your dog to the vet. It could be something manageable and you could get more quality time with her.

 

[diane0905]

I’m sorry. I’m glad beautiful Roxanne has you to love her. I know she’s lived a good life with you. If she’s eating and still getting skinner, all I could think to do is take her to the vet for bloodwork. Quality of life does matter and you are the best judge of that. Big hug. It’s so difficult figuring out what to do and when to do it as they hit these stages — especially if there’s no big obvious suffering.

 

[DevWind]

Of course! Vet care is very important! They have yet to find anything other than the normal aging of a senior dog. The other dog is 13. Both shelter dogs. We never expected them to be healthy for quite this long. I guess I do something right.

 

[3goldens2keep]

13 years old is exceptional for many breeds. I agree you must be doing something wright for these pups...

You have made this pups life wonderful keep that on top of your mind. The behaviors you suggest 'to me' (I am not a vet) that the dog is in some pain. When they stop eating and show behaviors like going into dark quite places could be an indicator that he is dealing with some pain. You have to wait until you both feel right about it, but please consider that dogs can and will hide pain and other problems better than humans. Another sign of pain to watch for is panting. Sorry you are going through this; I know you will do what is best for the pup.... Good Luck.

 

[abee]

I have two senior small breed dogs. One is 11 years old, and despite some muscle loss and old age related ailments, he still enjoys his walks, hanging out, eating, sniffing in the yard. I have another that's turning 15 years old very soon. My almost 15 year old senior still eats his food, but he doesn't want to go on walks, can't hear well, and prefers to stay in the dark room and sleep most of the day. When he's awake, he's quite anxious and will bark for several hours on end (sometimes off at the distance). He'll also sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and urinate or defecate anywhere. His most recent lab work is within range except his pancreatic enzymes are up a bit but nothing terrible. His vet thinks his behavior is related to canine dementia. Like you, quality of life is important to me. I've been contemplating back and forth whether it's time to let him go. He requires sedatives (we've tried both natural and prescription) to help him relax when he's awake, but he still eats fine. Because his lab work is fine and he eats, there is no clear cut answer, and it makes this decision even more difficult.

Picture of the youngest and oldest dogs 🥰

 

[3goldens2keep]

Fox our powder face girl...so far so good!

 

[Ontariodogsitter]

In post #6 March 20, I posted of hoping one more summer for our old boy,
he collapsed evening March 22, I called the Home - Claire Place Veterinary Hospice Mobile Services
at 9am next morning and the vet was here at 10.45 and that was that.
Life well lived with an end as easy as possible.
We should all be so lucky

 

[DevWind]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[3goldens2keep]

Looks like a real sweet Goldie! Sorry of your loss, but you did the very best thing you could do, a very loving send off I think! You are right, we all should be so lucky...