How Do I Know Its Time To Make That Decision?

[pkpnky]

Hello everyone, I want to start by saying if I'm in the wrong forum, SORRY, I'm new here.

I have an 18 year old (on July 26) Shih Tzu that I have had since he was 8 weeks old. He has grown up with my children and is a very important member of my family. He has been there with me through thick and thin. My children really don't remember life without him around. I can't imagine him not being around.

Of course he is 18 years old and he does have some health issues. He has chronic ear infections but has all his life. He doesn't hear all that great anymore, he doesn't see all that well anymore either. He has good days and bad days and here lately there have been a lot more bad than good.

Before I go on I want to explain something about my life before I go on with this. Since last year in August I have become a widow, lost my home, my oldest daughter went into the military and is now far far away, my youngest daughter is off at college and I rarely see her and since my husband died suddenly I have mountains of debt I'm trying to take care of on my own. I have lost a lot and it has been hard. One thing that has been a constant in my life though is Chester and how he always seems to know the perfect time to come over and give me that little nudge with his nose to let me know he wants to get up on the couch or in the bed with me to snuggle.

Back to the real issue here... Like I said, his good days are becoming fewer and fewer. What I'm asking is, is there really a way to know when to let go and let them go over the rainbow bridge? I feel like I'm being selfish and he is suffering but then he will have two or three days where he seems to have a lot of bounce in his step and wags his tail and plays with his toys, then the next several days he will have a hard time getting up, he will sleep almost non-stop. I feel like I'm being selfish because I don't want to let go but then I feel bad for even thinking of putting him down like I'm betraying him or something.

Has anyone out there ever felt this way or am I just crazy? I love him dearly and I don't want him to suffer but it seems that every time I think it is time he will perk back up and seem like he his fine.

Please help!

[lauriefbq]

Hi I am a new user too.i wanted to reply becuase i have been in your situation with older pets more than once.It is always hard.i currently have a mini chihuhua who is about 16,partially blind,deaf and has bad skin alleries.He sleeps a lot but is mostly frisky (for an old man) Old dogs like ours will have some bad days and some good.As long as he is responsive to you,is not in chronic pain and can go to the bathroom on his own then he should be okay.From what you have said i would not worry about him.If at some point you start to notice real problems like he can not hold himself up on his legs to have a bm then take him to the Veterinarian and discuss the option.Otherwise just enjoy having him around.Good luck.

[swdogmom]

Hi, I totally agree! Sometimes it hurts when other people think they know what is best for your dog, but I have been in this situation and only you will know when it is time. For me, I had an old (18 years plus) Shih Tzu too and she had some health issues: an occasional bout of vestibular syndrome, she was a little incontinent, had a tumor that erupted and needed to be dressed, probably deaf or close to it, and some leg issues, BUT she could still get around. She sure perked up when I opened the fridge, and had a hearty appetite too. She played with my other dogs and was good for giving kisses. She did sleep alot which I was grateful that she got some rest. How I knew it was time, was when she developed glaucoma and the Veterinarian in my small town prescribed some drops, but they did not work well and a couple of nights later she had trouble breathing, so I rushed her to my favorite Veterinarian in another town and we both agreed that it was time. Having a trusted Veterinarian helps. It was so hard but I felt like I gave her my all, and there are those that put their dogs down out of convenience but I felt like after all the love she gave me that it was an honor to let her live her days out as long as she was not in obvious pain, was still eating, and I really felt there was a quality of life there. Everyone will have their own opinion. I can say that having an older dog is in some ways more rewarding than having a puppy. They have so much dignity and it is an honor to care for an older dog. It is a very difficult decision to grapple with but you will ultimately make the right choice and at the right time, so never doubt yourself. You may find that she will go on her own naturally, so don't stress about it and enjoy your time with your dog, and take lots of pictures!!