How do you know when it's time?

Shelby has been diagnosed with congenital kidney disease. Everyday, she gets progressively worse. She has been shaking and vomiting constantly. She hardly leaves the couch. Today, my dad brought up the question of, "How long are we going to let this go on?" As much as I hate to think about it, I have to. We hate having to think of putting her down, but she just seems miserable. I'm sure that you guys are much more experienced than I am, so what do you think?

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Permalink Reply by Joanna Kimball on January 11, 2010 at 2:26am

Dogs do not fear death or dread it; they do not know whether they've had a long life or a short one. They only know how they feel, and if they are frightened or painful or confused a good proportion of the time, they are a lot better off going to heaven. If she seems miserable, she is. Unless the vet can give you a way to make her comfortable and happy for the majority of every day, she deserves to be let go.

I am so, so sorry. Losing a dog is one of the most painful experiences you can ever go through. Our prayers are with you.

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Permalink Reply by Alex on January 11, 2010 at 2:53am

I am so sorry to hear Shelby not doing well. I know you didn't have a lot of time with her, but I'm sure the time she had with you was happy & loved. If she's not enjoying the time with you any more, and there is nothing to make her feel comfortable from pain, it is probably time. She will wait for you in heaven. My prayers are with you.

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Markley on January 11, 2010 at 10:32am

As much I hate to tell you this, I think it's time. If she is shaking, she is hurting--kidney disease is a painful way to die. I've always gauged it by if they will eat/drink or not also. But if she's vomiting constantly, then that isn't a quality of life. As well as not playing, etc. It is the hardest thing you will EVER do, and it will hurt you massively, but it is the right thing to do if you love her. She will go to the Rainbow Bridge and be happy and healthy again--where she will wait for you. Please take my condolences.

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Permalink Reply by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on January 11, 2010 at 2:16pm

We are very sorry to hear this news Sam. Our old corgi mix Delilah had kidney failure and we had to have her put down. She was pretty old though, so it was really no surprise for us. She was 17 years old.

At the end, she would sit on the floor, panting and staring into it (the floor). She really didn't respond to much anymore, even though she could still hear us and all. After she stopped eating and drinking and stopped being able to do her business outside, we knew she couldn't continue on. She was in a lot of pain at the end, and we couldn't do any more to make her comfortable and not suffer.

I'm so sad to hear this is happening to Shelby, especially being so young. My heart goes out to you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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Permalink Reply by Renee on January 11, 2010 at 3:30pm

Our Hearts go out to you! After evrything is over find the book of all dogs go to heaven. The book. Not the movie. It does wonders.

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on January 11, 2010 at 3:37pm

Do you mean the one by Sylvia Brown:
All Pets Go To Heaven: The Spiritual Lives of the Animals We Love (Paperback)
~ Sylvia Browne

Or the older one by Beth Brown?
All Dogs Go To Heaven by Beth Brown (Hardcover - Jan 1, 1944)

I'm curious to look for it...

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Permalink Reply by Erica on January 11, 2010 at 3:40pm

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Permalink Reply by Sam & Shelby on January 11, 2010 at 8:28pm

We did it. We're getting her ashes sometime this week.

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on January 11, 2010 at 8:31pm

I am so sorry. :'(
{{hugs}} from me and Sidney. You did right by her, as hard as it was. She's thanking you from the bridge, I'm sure of it..

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Permalink Reply by Sky and Lyla on January 11, 2010 at 8:55pm

I'm so sorry. You are in our thoughts and prayers!

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Permalink Reply by justine moeller on January 11, 2010 at 9:01pm

I really am sorry. My thoughts are with you. I try to put myself in this situation right now with my boys and it hurts so much. You are brave and really showed you cared about her. She is grateful I am sure and will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge.. R.I.P.