Hello everyone.
Athos is not doing so well at the moment. He was doing really well until about 6 weeks ago when Gia started to be on heat. Athos stopped eating for about 2 days then only eating a few chicken wings, nothing more. He's always been like this when she was on heat before but because he wasn't well he lost so much weight, it was awful. He started eating normally again about 5 days ago, but it has taken it's toll on his already weakened body. But I am not THAT concerned with his weight yet because he might put the weight back on, I think he will. But my big concern is for his mind. The poor boy doesn't do a lot at all now. I can only take him to the park behind my house, it's a nice little park but 99% of the time it's only me and the dogs there. He needs to see other dogs and people in the big park but he cannot walk there. Last weekend we took him to a drive and he was so happy. The problem is I don't drive and my husband works most of the time, so he can't take him out in the car a lot. We actually talked about having him PTS because we feel he has no life, he just exists. He cannot watch tv or read the paper or talk. But would this be a good reason to have him PTS? He seems "ok" otherwise, just a bit weak, and his appetite is back. I have to put in my mind he is only a dog and he shouldn't be living like this, it's not a life for a dog. But he still wags his tail a lot and come for cuddles, even barks at the door. I cannot imagine him being PTS when he is looking at me, it's so horrible to think that. Please give me your honest opinion.
Many thanks.
Val

Val, so sorry to hear Athos is not doing so well.
Only you can make the decision. You have to decide when the time has come that he doesn't have any quality of life.
Sorry, this will probably upset you, you say he still wags his tail & comes for cuddles. Have you thought that he is doing this to please you, because it's what you expect him to do?
You have to put his needs first and your feelings second - I'm sure you will do that & that, when the time comes, you'll do what has to be done.
Thinking of you
X

Hello, Anwen. I honestly never thought this way, but you are right, aren't you? He doesn't do anything now, he is so bored...It is so hard to let go. He will be 4 next week, he is the sweetest dog. I thought about asking the pet shop owner I know if she would take him(she loves Athos), me paying for medicine, etc. so he could stay in the shop and meet other people/dogs, but the pet shop owner(or her mum) just rescued 2 dogs. But, anyway, I think he would miss the kids, me and hubby, so it wouldn't be fair either. I just wish there was something else for me to do, but I think that's it now.
Many thanks.
Val xxxx

Hi Val,
I've had to make the decision so often, but it has always been with old dogs, having to make the decision for one as young as Athos must be so much more difficult. Try to remember - better a week too soon than a day too late.
We'll all be thinking about you.

X

Aww val what a horrible situation to be in...

I wonder sometimes about qualty of life for our four legged friends....
Many people say as long as they are not in pain and not showing any signs of being depressed etc then they are ok...
I guess as time goes by we know our own dogs best and only you can decide whats best for Athos. My thoughts are with you...
Im sure time is of the essence.. and hopefully Athos will pick up :)

Donna and charliex

Val, I'm sorry to hear that Athos isn't doing so well just now.  You must all be feeling awful at the moment as you try to decide what is best for your boy.  As everyone else has said, its a decision only you can make, and I agree with Arwen better a week too soon than a day too late. I believe that you'll know instinctively when the right time has come, whether that is soon, or sometime in the future.  My thoughts are with you and big hugs for you and Athos :) 

Lesley

Hi Val,
I was thinking of you the other day, as we hadn't heard from you on here for a while.
I'm really sorry to hear that Athos isn't doing so well at the moment. Like the other posters have said, only you can make the decision to have him PTS, and i'm sure you will know when this time has come. It is one of the hardest things we have to do as dog lovers.
Please ring me if you want to talk about anything.
Thinking of you, Love and hugs Karen.

Hiya Val, sorry things are not to good just now(a big hug for you both)but from what you say he seems to be happy to be with you so dont feel bad about him not going anywhere so long as he has you and the rest of his family he will be happy, now as for having him pts oh Val he will tell you when its time,people say how will i know well if you are in tune with your dog you will just keep giving him big cuddles and take it day by day, give him treat food like live yogurt/ cottage cheese/and liver mushy/which is lamb liver and live yogurt put in blender until mushy and give him a big spoonfull two/three times aday. xxx