Jude Is Not Having a good week.

[DawnCt1]

Dawn, please try to get someone who is also close to Jude to come and give you an honest opinion! From what you are posting, it seems like it is time or very close too it

My parents Beagle (they got him when I was in HS so he was my dog too) got throat cancer. We knew the end was close...he was having trouble eating and breathing...especially when sleeping, due to the tumors in his throat. He was on pain meds, appetite enhancers etc. He seemed fairly happy otherwise. He lived with my parents. We would call to check up on him daily. I saw him on a Sunday and he seemed ok. Called Wednesday and my mom said he was doing a bit worse but that they weren't ready yet. I stopped in to see him that Thursday and it broke my heart. He was so sick and I knew it was time. I think my parents did too, but they just couldnt' bring themselves to admit it. They needed to hear it from me, who while doesn't live with him everyday still loved him and thought of him as her own dog. My dad said he would give him the weekend, and I said to think about if those extra two days are really worth all that pain and suffering. They ended up taking him Friday morning.

Dawn, I know it is hard. But please try to get an opinion of someone close to Jude. I can tell from your writing that you already know the answer. Hugs to you, this is such a hard thing to go through

Honestly, I talk with his previous owner, a DVM, about three times a week. She would honestly tell me. She had to make the same decision with the matriarch of her poodle family, and she did, and did it herself. I have no doubt that she would tell me when its time.

 

[teskak]

Lie down with him, tell him what a good dog and friend he has been and ask him if he has had enough and if he is ready to chase all of the butterflies that are waiting for him on the rainbow bridge

 

[Patricia721]

Dawn

I'm so sorry - I, too, have been following your posts on Jude's health. When our dog was so sick I hoped (prayed) I would have the courage and the strength to realize when it was time to let her go. It was heartbreaking, gut wrenching and the worst day of my life. Love him, comfort him and treasure him. Thinking of you and Jude.

 

[Snowysmom]

I am sorry to hear this. I have been following Jude's story and my sympathy goes out to you and your family. I had to make this decision for my beloved Westie when she had cancer. It is not easy but in your heart you know what is best for Jude.

 

[kirbydog48]

Dawn, I am so sorry Jude is not doing better. Just try to keep your schedule clear and focus on spending time with him. If you pray, ask for help and courage and the ability to know when. You've been such a great doggie mom. I usually look at it from the animal's perspective. Are they happy? Do they play? Are they in pain that can't be managed? Are they eating?These are all signs that it is time. Wishing you comfort and the strength to make the right decision.

 

[janey99]

Lie down with him, tell him what a good dog and friend he has been and ask him if he has had enough and if he is ready to chase all of the butterflies that are waiting for him on the rainbow bridge

This is so hard to do but it bears repeating. We put our boxer to sleep at Halloween after she was diagnosed with advanced hip cancer. DH and DS wanted to just keep going with palliative therapies (many of the same drugs Jude is on now) but I could tell it wasn't the right thing to do.

I sat with her and looked in her eyes and said "sweetie, it's OK to tell us you're tired and you're done with it being this hard." Even though I'm tearing up as I write this several months later, I can still see the relief that came into her eyes when I told her it was OK to go.

They love us so much, and they want to please us so badly, that's it's really up to us to make the decision to release them.

Jane

 

[babytrees]

I have been watching/reading your threads on Jude....the love you have for him is so apparant. Prayers to you as you journey to the end of his time here on earth.

 

[Jockaroo]

Late last week I looked for a drug that would stimulate Jude's appetite. His vet suggested periactin, which has worked. His appetite picked up. He seemed to feel better, wagging his tail, smiling more, etc. He had a pretty good weekend. Two days ago, his morning urine was cherry colored. It is usually yellow and gets darker during the day to cherry in the evening. He has lost more weight. I can see his ribs. He is having trouble getting up on our bed and needs to be lifted into the back seat of the car. He still goes into the wooded area to do his business and yesterday he trotted back up the hill. I gave him an extra pain pill hoping that he would rest and the bleeding would subside. He is resting, but there is no change this morning. His gums are pale, his tongue is pale and he is tired. If I gently palpate his lower abdomen, I can feel nodes. I called his previous owner who is a DVM to see if she had suggestions. Of course there is nothing more we can do. She told me that he has survived longer than she thought he would based on his ultrasound and diagnosis. TCC.
I can't stop crying and yet I don't want him to see me cry because it upsets him. He looks so sad when I cry. This is going to be an emotionally painful goodbye for all of us. He is so loved in our family. I know that what is going on with Jude is coloring my perception of everything but its hard not to let it. Thanks for listening.

Dawn, the thing that concerns me the most about your post is the comment about Jude's gums and tongue being pale. It may not be time today, but it is time--very soon. You know it. He is holding on for you to come to an acceptance that it is his time. Jude's quality of life is very diminished. He is slowly bleeding to death from the cancer and from all the pain medications. Jude has proved he is a fighter--he has lived longer than the professionals thought he would. But this is a fight that he cannot win. Hug him; hold him and give him permission to go. You will find the strength--it is hard, but this is the final gift of love you can give Jude. His time on this earthly plane is ending, but know that he will live forever in your heart. I'm sorry--I really am and I do understand.

 

[mickeyboat]

I am so sorry, Dawn.

 

[DawnCt1]

Thank you everyone. I just got a call an hour ago that we have another showing on our house. I am going to take Jude to the dog food store. He likes it there. We will get some more Zukes.

 

[Darsa]

Please give him a cuddle for me!

 

[jackemail]

Heck, I am already crying for you and Jude just reading this thread. Having gone through this six different times with beloved cats and dogs, you and Jude will both know when it is the right time. I think Jude will let you know, and you will do that last big thing for Jude. Wishing you both lots of strength, and all the best.

 

[luvwinnie]

Praying for you and Jude. I know you will "know" when the time is right...as hard as it will be.

 

[perdidobay]

Just posting this for you Dawn, and anyone else who has had to face the decision to let a beloved pet go. I cried when I read it but afterward it really helped me through some tough days.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this, the last battle, can't be won.



You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.


Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end



And hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,

It is a kindness you do to me.


Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you,

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close,we two, these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.




Author Unknown


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[Sleepy]

I am sorry you are dealing with this. I have been through it 4 times, so I understand completely where you are emotionally and mentally right now. Please don't take what I have to say the wrong way. It is something I repeat to myself when it is time for me to make the decision for one of my own.

The pain I experience trying to make the decision is far worse than the pain of the loss itself. The physical distress my furbaby feels is far worse than anything I am experiencing emotionally. For me, accepting those two things allows me to think clearer and make the decision I have been avoiding.