Hi...My name is Roxy and I'm happy to be here. I am posting this with a heavy heart...I have a Pekingese who has turned 17 years old this month and I am seeing her age affecting her greatly in this past year. She is probably almost blind with cataracts, but finds her way around my house with only a few problems. We don't move furniture around or leave anything out of place because of her bad eye-sight. She sleeps for hours on end, but eats well, seems healthy, but has age related problems. I love her with all my heart, and love her enough to put her to sleep if I see that she begins to suffer in any way, shape, or form. As I said, most of her days are spent sleeping in her soft, comfortable bed, and toward the evening she wakes up, eats, and even actually runs up and down my long hall. When the weather permits, I take her outside because she seems to enjoy snoozing in the sun. She loves her weekley bath, and will actually lie down in a tub of warm water while I massage her with shampoo. Most of our time together is my just holding her and petting her while she dozes. I just wonder if this is enough...I wonder if her quality of life is still good. She is not in pain, but tires easily...Every time I look at her, everytime I hold her, I know I will not have much time left with her. I love this dog like my own child and only want what is best for her. I am interested in the opinions of others. How long would you go before putting a very much loved animal to sleep? I know 17 years is old for any dog and I don't want her to live past what nature would intend, for my own selfishness. I would appreciate any opinions on this.
Thank you,
Roxy

Thank you so much for your quick reply...and for saying exactly what I wanted to hear. My husband has tried to convince me that since my Peke is almost blind, she can't enjoy life anymore. (Her hearing isn't very good either) But when I go looking for her, and bring her to bed with me or just lie on the sofa with her, she actually seems happy. Just being held and loved seems to be enough. I know she can't run and play with the other dogs like she used to, but I guess I have it in my mind that she can sit on my lap and have all of my attention while the others are playing in the yard and she almost seems to act like she's the "queen mother" and has the honor of sitting with me while the others are running around...I guess the only problem I've encountered in this past year is that she has gone from being house broken to having accidents more and more often. It's almost as if she's "forgotten" how to ask to go outside. I forgive her and never reprimand her for this, and just clean it up each time. This little dog was orphaned and I bottle raised her along with five other littermates. She has aged well, and has never had any real health problems...but I will take your advice and have her checked out by my vet, who is a friend, and who I trust. I realize this is a good idea at her age...I don't believe in ever being too careful. She is on Purina Pro Plan, which I buy at his office, and I give a lot of credit to a good diet for her longevity. I can't give her treats anymore because, in the past year, she has developed diareah when she eats anything but her dogfood. She loved her treats, and I feel so guilty not being able to give them to her anymore, but I just give the other dogs their treats when she is in another room and then make it up to her with just a lot more attention.
She doesn't even look old unless you look at her eyes, which have that white look of cataracts. Her coat is silky and beautiful and she has never lost or gained weight as I've seen in other older dogs. I feel very lucky to have had her as long as I have. She is a very important member of my family and I hope she will be around for some time.
Thanks again for your reply! I am very glad I found this site!
Roxy

Roxy,

I could have written a lot of what you posted. Our Yorkie passed last September just shy of her 16th birthday. In those last few months, I frequently questioned whether it was time to euthanize. She lost her sight and much of her hearing. She was taking medication for arthritis and had twice daily treatments to keep her eyes clean and moist. When she started having trouble with urinating in the house, we discussed it with her vet and she prescribed additional medication (hormone supplement) which solved the problem. She also had two surgeries - one to repair a torn ligament and another for dental problems. In both cases, she bounced back after surgery, so we felt we had made the right decision. Also, although she slept most of the time, she still was interested in food and being cuddled.

For us, the time became clear when she started having seizures. Over a 48 hour period, she had several seizures which left her distressed and exhausted. After being referred by her vet to an emergency neurological consult, the specialist explained that the most likely diagnosis was a brain tumour and the other possibilities weren't much better. He also explained what the likely results of attempted treatment - which went from bad to much worse. Unfortunately, my husband was on an business trip at the time, so we had the conversation over the phone when I explained what the specialist said. We came to the decision that we would euthanize her. The staff was very kind - explaining the process and what to expect, allowing me to spend time with her to say good-bye and to hold her while she received the injections.

Roxy, There is no easy way around it no matter when you do decide. I agree with the other post...they will tell you. My problem was my Jack Russell had diabetes terribly bad and at that time I guess my Vet had no idea that even dogs could be treated with insulin it was never brought up. his urine was like syrup and I know he had to be feeling bad...but they never want you to know that because we are their idols...and they are ours in return It is difficult no matter what...I wish you the best!

The Vet is no longer in Business and was reported thanks...