Hi everyone,
I've just had some devastating news from my vet. My little lab x, who is diabetic, is very ill. She hasn't been eating properly since i had my dobe pts at Christmas. We now have an agonising decision to make. She is at the vets at the moment, they are trying to stabilise her, but her kidneys are now failing and there really is no hope of her getting better. She has been through so much in her life, as she was badly treated and neglected by her first owners, then she was diagnosed with diabetes, she subsequently went blind due to cataracts, which were operated on, successfully, and now this. I really don't feel that I should put her through any more. If she doesn't eat, this seriously affects her glucose level, and it will be even more difficult to keep her stable. I feel very low right now, it is less than 3 months since i lost Jaffa, why is this happening to me? Am I going wrong somewhere?

Hi Jaffa

So sorry to hear about your little lab x :(
Life never seems fair for some and there will always be that awful time in our lives when we have to make that dreaded decision to let them go :( She may have been neglected and badly treated but fate stepped in and she found you :) to love and care for her and fade those awful memories of a past life.
Don't beat yourself up that it's your fault. Of course it's not! You've done the very best for her or she wouldn't have had her sight restored and be at the vets now while they fight for her.
Deep down we always hope for a miracle - but if it doesn't happen it wasn't meant to be. Jaffa will be waiting for her and you'll always have your memories to comfort you and make you smile.
Thinking of you!
Lara x

Oh Jaffa I'm so sorry to hear your news - it must seem as if everything is going against you at the moment. You don't say how old your little x-lab is - but what a life you have given her! She has been loved, cared for, and given security. After such a bad start you have really turned her life around. You haven't done anything wrong - apart from maybe having too loving a heart - and who can say that is wrong. Be glad for the life you have given her, and your other dog.

With all best wishes - and hoping for a miracle for you.

Margotxxx

I'm so very sorry that you are going through this right now. My heart goes out to you. Your not doing anything wrong love, it's just the cycle of life. It's very hard not to want to blame yourself, but please don't, you have done nothing wrong. I understand you not wanting to put her through anymore. We had a cat that stopped eating after a stroke. No matter what we did, she wouldn't eat or drink. I think she was trying to tell us to let her go. It's a very difficult decision, but you have to do what you feel is best. I do hope that your Lab improves. XXX Shirl :D

Hi Jaffa,

I'm so sorry to hear about your pup and really concerned about how you say your feeling.
I have lab puppy too and I'm sure for anyone with a sick dog, the only comfort is that the pup is in the best hands being treated by your vet.

It sounds as though your little one has had such a rough start but is very strong to overcome all she has. Don't beat your self up about things, none of this is your fault and after losing Jaffa only 3 months ago, you must still be feeling tender and bruised. It is hard to keep positive when so much around us is going wrong. Only in November, I had a very close relative die one day and my beloved dog died the next and it really was sooo horrible. I couldn't see the end of the tunnel and felt low as you do now. Give yourself some space to breathe and see what the vet says. Your puppy will need you.

I really hope the puppy gets better. A big hug to you.
Best wishes and prayers,
Claire

Thanks everyone, it really is a terrible time right now. Jess is, we think, about 12 years old, though we only got her 4 years ago. I just can't understand why all this is happening, so soon after Jaffa. We collect our new pup on Saturday, it's a real mixture of emotions right now. We had hoped that a pup would give Jess a new lease of life. Sadly I don't think that will happen now. I'll see what the vet says this afternoon when I ring. I know I shouldn't blame myself, but maybe I could have done something more. I do feel happy that we gave her a better life than she had had, but that just makes me feel so sorry for her, she deserves so much more than she has been dealt in life.

Dear Jaffa,

From what I've read so far, you've done everything right for your little dog and the best thing was giving her a home and someone who loves her.
I know you have the support of everyone on this forum and know that we are all thinking of you.

Take care

Ruth

Oh you poor thing, what a blow :(. But it's not your fault. You have done everything right for her, but eventually we get to a battle that can't be won. What a terrible time for you.

Lots of love to you at this difficult time.
Do what your heart tells you to do.

Life is here to test us, its not your fault. You have blessed
this littles ones life - you cannot do anymore than that.

Thinking of you x

Hi Jaffa,
I am so sad for you. Just wanted to tell you that your little dog has had four amazing years that she surely wouldn't have had if it wasn't for your love. So try and treasure and memorise the time that you have made so special for her, We are crossing our fingers for you, just keep remembering how much better you made her later years.

Hello Jaffa,

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. I too lost a Dobie a month ago. We had to have her put to sleep (she was 11) I also have another dog Bassett x Dalmation (George) He is only 6 but he's pining like mad. He doesn't eat. Jess is pning and obviously this has made her condition worse, but you have given her a wonderful life. You'll have to be brave and do what's best for her. Sometimes all bad things happen all at once.

hello jaffa
i am sorry to hear your sad news,your little dog would not want you to blame yourself,so give him a big hug from me and a big hug for you any one with a animal knows what you are going through
take care
lorraine

I rang the vets again tonight, they have managed to bring her glucose down a bit, but she is still being sick and they can't give her the medication to stop the sickness because of her diabetes, so they are trying another way. The vet said she was still quite bright and had a waggy tail for them, so not to worry too much about her overnight. If she responds to the treatment they have put her on, and she eats, she should pick up and have a few more months, but this is the exact scenario I had with Jaffa, and she wouldn't eat. The question is do I put her through this, bearing in mind it will be a juggling act with her glucose level, if she doesn't eat, or do I say enough is enough, she has been through so much already,and let her go? And will the stress of a new pup on Saturday be too much for her?:(

I would wait and see how she is doing and go from there. No one knows ur dog as well as you. If u must pts do not blame ur self or feel guilty about the knew pup u are getting. God deals things in ways that we cannot understand but I believe always for a reason. I'm sure the pup will not stress her out to much, maybe the pup will make her more lively and happy, u never know. Just take one day at a time and enjoy what time u have left with her in ur family. I'm very sorry to hear of her illness. :(
I believe this is outta the bible.
To All My Loved Ones
When I must leave you
for a little while,
Please do not grieve
and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow
to you through the years,
But start out bravely
with a gallant smile;
And for my sake
and in my name
Live on and do
all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
But fill each waking hour
in usefull ways,
Reach out your hand
in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
and hold you near;
And never, never
be afraid to die,
For I am waiting
for you in the sky!

My grandma when she passed away had this underlined in the bible with a note asking to have this sent out to all her loved ones. I still cry when I read it, and I carry it around cause it is so true. Just thought I would share it with u.

It takes a a lot of heart to let a pet go then to hold on to one for urself. If u must pts u are still giving her life, may not be the life we know. But it is a life of freedom, happiniess and most of all no more pain. I'm sure u will make the right choice what is best for her.
ttfn :(

so sorry to here your sad news. be brave!. and what a beautiful poem dollface.

Jaffa
So Sorry to read what you are going thro'.
I lost 2 cavaliers and a Turkish Van Cat in the space of 9 sad months last year,(with another cavalier suffering from Vestibular Syndrome within a week of the first loss) and it seemed so unfair, when I always did everything to make sure their health and welfare was more important than my own.....
We wondered how we could go on.....but decided that if we wanted the joy and pleasure of keeping pets, then we had to take the bad times too. We found a new pup in March, and then when we suddenly lost our 5 year old cavalier in November, had to quickly find a playmate for the March pup. It was a good decision...the puppies are such fun together, and although we obviously miss the ones that have gone to Rainbow Bridge, looking after the needs of a new puppy filled the void of sadness.
(Also, I can now see that if it hadn't been for the ones we lost, I wouldn't have the 2 little monsters that are chasing round me as I write this.)
I hope your dog recovers....I do know what you are going thro'. Look forward to your new pup.
Sam

Keeping my fingers crossed Jaffa the news is better this morning for you. I know dogs aren't like cats but when my cat was bad 2 weeks ago everything started to look up apart from the fact she wouldn't eat. Cats will sulk for England and stop eating so the vets last resort was to let us take her home and try to make her eat. Well as soon as the dogs got fed at tea time it sort of kick started her back into a routine of eating. Could your dog be missing home and therfore refusing to eat out of depresssion? When we bought the cat home it was on the understanding that if she didn't eat within a few hours she was to go back in. My friends dog has diabetes so I know how important it is that they don't lose appetite. Best of luck and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

Hi Jaffa,

I'm really sorry to hear about the situation your in and I'm afraid I can't really help you that much I would just like to wish you well in the decisions you now have to make.
The only thing that did occur to me when reading your post is that contrary to the view that the new pup might be too much for your Lab it is just possible that the opposite might be true and new companionship could be the kickstart to a new lease of life?

Whatever you decide at the end of the day, you know your dog best and so you are the best person to decide.

You have my best wishes.

Yes, I agree, and we had hoped that the new pup would be a good companion for Jess, and cheer her up, as she so obviously missed our dobe when she was pts. But thats where the problems started, she wouldn't eat properly, and I had her checked at the vets, there were no problems, apart from loss of appetite, and the seriousness of this because of the diabetes. The vet agreed it was probably depression due to losing her companion. But because her glucose level has been so unstable recently she has developed kidney failure, so unfortunately it hasn't worked out the way we wanted. I have rang the vet this morning, and her glucose has shot back up again, so no improvement overnight. I have to ring back later to see if she is responding to the treatment:(

Sadly it happens like this sometimes, especialy when two dogs have been together a long time, the one that is left often looses it's zest for life. It is just bad luck to come so soon, and your dog has had wonderful care and love from you!

My friend lost her 5 year old male dobe totally out of the blue (had in fact bought a pup to keep him company, as the other two's days were numbered), and a month later she lost one of the oldies. The other old girl, who was given 6 weeks to live over a year ago, is still around, albeit a bit incontinent and stiff, and sleeps most of the time except for her 15 min walk in the morning, and her dinner at night!!!

Maybe it is fortunate that this has happened now, rather than when the pup arrived, as y6ou would then perhaps have felt guilty thqat it had been too much for her, and also the pup would have got very attached, only to lose her.

Hopefully the new pup will help remind you of the joy you shared with the other two. Perhaps you could in a little while get another rescue dog in her memory. It weould also be company for the pup, a nicew sensible adult.

I'm so sorry to hear about the awful time you are currently going through; I really dont know what to say because at the end of the day only you know in your heart what is best.

My view is that if a dog is sleeping, exercising, eating, interracting with owner, and is able to go to the toilet without difficulty then the quality of life is good; if any of these things are missing, then it depends perhaps on the degree of discomfort it causes as to what decision youcan make.

I do wish you the very best and send you kind thoughts :)

Lindsay

Thank you everyone for your support and kind words. We decided the best thing to do would be to have Jess pts, but as the children hadn't seen her for a couple of days, and wanted to say goodbye, I went to the vets to bring her home so they could give her a cuddle, but when I picked her up she was really bright and happy, and the vet said to see if I could get her to eat at home, and if so, maybe she would be ok for a little longer. I got her home and she trotted off down the garden, so I thought ok maybe. She even ate a small meal, but then a couple of hours later she was sick and very lethargic, and quiet. I talked it over with a couple of friends and decided that it really was the right thing to do today, so sadly I called the vet and she came out to us. Thanks again for your support.

((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))

Thinking of you at this sad time ((((((((((hugs)))))))))
Alison

I'm sorry Jaffa :-(

I'm sooo sorry :(
Hugs for u and ur family :(, this must be terrible hard for the children as well :(

ttfn :(

I'm so sorry for you, but I'm sure you'll be glad she was at home with her family. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

Dear Jaffa, I am so sorry for you and your family. We had a cat which had diabetes and I kept her alive too long because I loved her so much. I would never do it again and I am sure you did the right thing.
Gina xxx

Jaffa

Thinking of you all :(

Karen

Really Sorry Jaffa - I had hoped when I started to read your post that bringing her home worked but sadly not. At least she came home though as was obviously pleased at that.

Thinking of you.

Sorry to hear that Jaffa, condolences. :(

Jaffa
thinking of you at this difficult time and hope your new puppy can bring a smile back to you ( and if a dobe can't nothing can ;) )
love
liz

I'm so sorry Jaffa. It's the hardest of decisions to make.

Thinking of you, John

You did marvelous to keep her stable so long, be proud of yourselves, and the love you gave her.

I'd just like to say a very big thank you to everyone, your comments and kind words made me feel a lot easier with the very difficult decision I had to make last night, but I feel at ease with myself now, and I know I was right, she looked so sad last night, it would not have been fair to let her go on. She didn't suffer, but it wouldn't have been long before she did.

Just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. I still miss my dogs that I had when I was little and that was a very long time ago! I don't know if you believe in Heaven or not but I always think of all my pets running around with my family members that have died and having a great old time of it with no suffering or anything.

Dear Jaffa,
As you know I went through the same thing just one month ago. My thoughts are with you. You know that you looked after her and did the best for her right to the end.

So sorry to hear your sad news Jaffa.

Lisa
xx

Hi

It takes a huge amount of courage and love to make the decision, even when you know it's right.

I know how you hurt.

Katrina

Dear Jaffa

So sorry to read this post, I know how much she means to you and with everything that you have been through together. You will do what is right for her.

All the very best

Dessie