bc friend Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Sara is having some quality of life issues - she's had spinal arthritis near the base of her tail for years but has only recently started having severe mobility issues which either are or similar to those caused by cauda equina. She's having a lot of problem getting to her feet - and sometimes she can't w/o a minor boost from me. In the last couple of weeks, she's started having some fecal incontinence where stool just literally falls out of her while she's walking (not straining at all). My vet is starting her on some steriods tomorrow a.m. to see if this helps or if she has just reached the end. She's 17 w/liver cancer and has typical old dog issues - deafness, cloudy eyes, etc. - but she's still a happy dog, gives kisses, interacts with me and the other pets, accepts grooming from the old cat, eats well, when she's on her feet she's still doing slow trots and prances out the door for short walks, and Sunday was out playing frisbee (short, slow tosses directly to her). I know she's old and if she died in her sleep tonight, I would accept that she had lived a full life and it was just her time to go. Obviously if the steroids don't help, I'm going to have to make "the decision" because I can't/won't condemn her to a life where she can't get up and will start messing herself - she deserves better than that from me. But selfishly, the thought of making that decision is breaking my heart. So, I'm asking for some board mojo - either to let her go peacefully in her sleep or that the meds help her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
juliepoudrier Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Gladly sending mojo to you and Sara for improvement first, and a peaceful passing if improvement isn't possible. I know you're in a difficult position, but if you have to make the decision most of us would prefer not to have to make, just remember that you gave her 17 really good years--years in which she knew your love and was cared for well. J. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShoresDog Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Sending you Left Coast mojo. Seventeen good years is a great run, and I hope it continues a bit more. But if it can't, may the end be peaceful. If you have to make the decision, I bet the vet would come to your house. Ours does here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WildFlower Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Gadly sending mojo to you and Sara for improvement first, and a peaceful passing if improvement isn't possible. I know you're in a difficult position, but if you have to make the decision most of us would prefer not to have to make, just remember that you gave her 17 really good years--years in which she knew your love and was cared for well. J. I second everything Julie said. Good thoughts coming your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esox Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 East coast mojo headed your way. Esox & Alex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Dogs (and other animals) enjoy one blessing that we humans don't - the opportunity to be gently and lovingly released from pain and a failing body when living no longer remains a joy. You will know when it's time, I am sure, and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear old companion of so many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSmitty Posted August 18, 2009 Report Share Posted August 18, 2009 Prayers and thoughts headed your way, for Sara and yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jedismom Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Good Thoughts coming your way. I hope you're granted a little more quality time with Sara. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea4th Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Mojo from Hooterville from me and all of my pack. I second all that Julie said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet_ceana Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Lots of mojo and hugs from AZ. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc4ever Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Thoughts and prayers from Ohio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrisK Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Lots of mojo coming from your Canadian friends...may Sara pass peacefully if that is what is to be. I know how difficult the decision to let her go will be....I had to do it for my Brandy at 16 1/2. Know that it is love that will help you make the choice that may come...and Sara will love you for it. My thoughts are with you tonight... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerfulgazelle Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Good thoughts coming from here. Peace to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urge to herd Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Loving mojo from Northern California to you and Sara. Seconding what Julie said. Ruth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bc friend Posted August 19, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and mojo. It'll be a few days until we know whether the steroids will help or not. According to my vet, the positive part is that Sara is still personality-wise herself - not depressed , eating well, has good organ function, still trying to move normally, etc.; on the negative side, she's 17 and her body is just wearing out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aljones Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 We're thinking of you here in Kentucky, too. Sara's health challenges remind me so much of my William's that I particularly feel for you at this tough time, but everyone else has articulated things better than I can. Wish wishes for peace for you both, whatever comes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cody & Duchess Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Lots of love to both you and Sara....such a good dog and friend. Good mojo coming from the mountains. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmyd65 Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 Mojo coming your way from Pennsylvania. Just know that she LOVES you... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.