Thread: Very difficult decision with pet.

For almost thirty years we have had a pug and know they live to please us, we are still sad Bella is gone but are happy she did not suffer.
They show no pain but give much pleasure.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

I decided not to approve surgery.

...

Diana

I think this was probably the best decision, and the one I would have made.

We currently are in a similar situation with our 10 YO Doberman. Big tumor on one of his legs.

The choices were: Amputate the leg; Try and remove the tumor (skin grafts & etc); Let him live out his last months as is (medicating to keep him comfortable).

He lives on a farm and I know he'd not be happy on 3 legs. I'd rather see him running around the paddocks happily for a shorter time, than having to learn to walk on 3 legs.

It's a tough decision, but for us, we've decided to keep him as comfortable as possible and not operate.

Given the outcome we are looking at, we got a new German Shorthaired Pointer puppy last weekend. That way we won't be so 'alone' when the old guy does die. It's gonna be a bad day when it happens....

Agree Spudboy with the pup.

We have done the same twice,over many years,and it is surprising how the pup seems to perk up the older dog.

In fact I recon the last time we did this,the older dog lasted at least 6 months longer than he would have done by himself.There were some days he wouldn't come out of his kennel,and was off his food.Once the pup was around he was much more active and happier

The poor guy had skin cancer

We've found exactly that. The old guy is moving more and has taken very well to having an annoying little sister.

Not sure how that works, but he's perked up noticeably.

I don't think I need to get a puppy, as there's currently 4 pugs in the household. One of the reasons I have made the decision is that the youngest pug spends most of his time with his mum. If she were to die on the table, the absence/loss would be very confusing for him.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

I don't think I need to get a puppy, as there's currently 4 pugs in the household. One of the reasons I have made the decision is that the youngest pug spends most of his time with his mum. If she were to die on the table, the absence/loss would be very confusing for him.

Yes but thats going to happen regardless which ever way it happens she is one day not going to be there and the dog will be confused and have to deal with it.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

I don't think I need to get a puppy, as there's currently 4 pugs in the household. One of the reasons I have made the decision is that the youngest pug spends most of his time with his mum. If she were to die on the table, the absence/loss would be very confusing for him.

Obviously everyones experience is different,but when we have had a dog pass on,the surviving dog didn't seem to really notice.

Or maybe he/she did notice,but just got on with life,and didn't show any sign of missing the other.

And just to add,a completely different situation if my wife goes away for a day or two,and I am told,if I am away.Any dog we have had misses whoever is away,you can tell be the way the dog acts.,and it's mood.

I agree scarry, when I lost Eddie his sister carried on, i did have a second dog so the routine wasn't upset too much but she dealt with it fine and they had been together from birth for 8years