I am so sorry to hear that the chemo isn't buying you the extra time you had hoped. It is heartbreaking.

Have you spoken with your vet to see if there are any other pain med options to keep her comfortable?  Is there any chance that her tummy might be getting upset by the chemo treatment and causing some of the whincing?  When Magnum had tummy upsets due to her metronomic palladia she whinced with every little gurgle of her tummy until we got it settled down with tummy meds. I know what you mean, that whincing tugs at your heart strings something awful.

Magnum spent her last month walking very little because it hurt to walk. But she loved sitting at the park and eating and meeting people and other dogs. She still loved life.

About 1 week before we made the decision the vet actually broached the subject and we were horrified. But Magnum did start to deteriorate over that following week.  The crunch for me came when she had several restless nights and on the last night she would start crying if I left the room for more than 30 seconds.  When I took her to the hospital an xray confirmed that she had a very large lesion on her hip bone.  She was bright, happy and still had a great appetite.  But, we couldn't control the pain anymore and with the risk of the hip fracturing at any time the decision was made for us. 

I know Jerry has mentioned the "penny jar" to help identify if the number of good days still outweigh the bad days. Dr Dressler also has a "joys of life" list in his book to help you objectively determine if the quality of life is still OK.  I referred to this list a lot during Magnum's last month.

It is such an awful decision to have to make but it is the most selfless thing we can do for our beautiful fur babies. My heart goes out to you. .

I'm so sorry amputation didn't get you the time we all hoped it would. It's so very hard to know that your dog's time is short. You are filling her life with all the things that are special to her. That's so important to you both. It's what makes it all worthwhile.

I've had to go through this 3 times in the last 5 years. Once was very, very obvious (sudden kidney failure); once was obvious to me but not my husband; once was less obvious. The least-obvious one was our Rottie mix who was so stoic she would probably have tolerated surgery without anesthesia. It was hard to get a read on her because of that. That's why I think the stoic breeds (or stoic dogs) need to be watched really carefully to make sure we aren't asking too much of them.

I'm sure you know your dog's little signs. You know when she is genuinely delighted (like with the neighbor's child) and when she's trying to make you happy. I would just say you need to make sure that her pleasure in life is genuine and not to please you. Rotties can be such big pleasers. She needs to know it's ok to tell you she's ready to go. Will she give you a look to say that? You can snuggle up to her and tell her it's ok to tell you. Many people here have said they've done just that and gotten their answer. Dogs are incredibly intuitive. Just make sure she knows you'll honor her wishes. She already knows you love her.

What is her name? Can you post a picture of her?

Shari

Oh yes, I remember Reeses! The chocolate and peanut butter cup pup!

I'm sorry today hasn't been great. It's awful to know our dogs are hurting and we can't do much for them. That's why I think it's so important for them to guide us, to tell us what we should do. I think they know before we do.

So many people here have reported improvement at the very end. It's uncanny, really, but it seems like they know they won't have to hurt anymore so they bounce a little. Of course, today could be the "blip" day and the next week could be really good for Reeses. Only you know how to judge. You'll make the best decision for her. As others have said, her pain will end and yours will begin. But this community is here. Whatever you decide, let us know and you'll be supported. I'm sorry you're having to do this. I really am.

Shari

What an adorable picture of Reese.  So many happy memories you have made with her.  I am so sorry that your journey with her is nearing its end.  My experience has been with our previous dog, Gulliver.  One evening we all knew.  My children were with me and when my husband come home he took one look at Gulli and we all just broke down and cried.  I can't say Gull gave us a look.  We just knew.  It comes with loving, making the ultimate decision.  I wish you peace.  Please know I am holding Reese and her pack in my heart tonight.

heather & spirit shadow