CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => General Cocker Spaniel Discussion => Topic started by: Robbie34 on June 07, 2013, 10:17:07 PM
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I'm having to contemplate making a dreadful decision regarding Charley. He is now 15 1/2, deaf, blind, incontinent, and suffering from dementia.
His quality of life is poor and he spends most of the day sleeping or walking round in circles. I'm not in the best of health and I'm finding it difficult to cope with him. I dread coming downstairs in the morning to see what awaits. Fortunately, the weather is warm and dry, and Charley can be left in the garden and he will sleep outside after walking around in circles. In bad weather I can't leave him in the garden so I have to watch him closely to make sure he doesn't mess in the house. Unfortunately, seven times out of ten I don't catch him in time and I'm left clearing up his mess, or trying to soak up his urine from the carpet. His groomer refuses to clip him any more because he squirms and wriggles whilst screaming - it really is a scream. I also have great difficulty in cleaning his eyes as he suffers from dry eye. It's almost impossible to insert ointment in his eyes due to his moving around, and I'm frightened of piercing his eye with the point of the tube.
This about sums it up, and I'm not sure that I can make the decision. Am I doing it for myself, or in the best interests of Charley. It's akin to casting off an old item that's no longer of any use. Charley has been such a lovely dog but he is not recognisable as he used to be.
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The decision is even more difficult because we love them so much. When Bud and Floyd came to that point their kidney function had failed and my vet helped me with the decision. It still hurts even now. My thoughts are with you.
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almost 16 years old. what a grand life Charley has had. I am going to be blunt, I think it is time to say goodbye. we try to keep them for ever but that is for our own peace of mind.
I have always had the vet out in these situations, if it is a option for you i think it would be easier for you and kinder for charlie would know nothing lying in his warm garden
if this not what you want to hear i am sorry but atleast you will feel less guilty for thinking about it
i have put off hitting the post button for awhile incase i changed my mind, thinking of you, thinking of Charley.
no, i still think its time to do right by your beloved Charlie
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It's a terrible decision to have to make and my heart goes out to you. :'( It's the hardest thing we have to do for our beloved pets who cannot make that choice for themselves. Perhaps your words 'His quality of life is poor' may help you decide what to do for the best in Charley's interest. Have you anyone else to talk about this with? Have you spoken to your vet? Whatever your decision, my thoughts are with you. Take care. :luv: Diana
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So sorry you are having this dilemma again. It is never an easy thing to face. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Someone on here posted this poem a while back and I sent it to a pupil who recently had to a face exactly the same decision as you with his 17 yr old cocker. It is difficult to read and has me crying buckets every time I do, but my pupil said he found it helpful.
Whatever you decide i am sure you will know in your heart what is the right thing for Charley. Thinking of you.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this the last battle can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close we two these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author - Unknown
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Charley has had a good life, Being able to put them to sleep when they have no quality of life is one of the kindest thing we can do for them and it is so peaceful :bigarmhug:
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It's akin to casting off an old item that's no longer of any use.
No it's really not - it's a terribly hard decision to make but you have to ask yourself whether Charley is happy how he is now and what would he tell you if he only could? We've been in the same position as you a couple of years ago when our dear old Arran deteriorated in much the same way Charley has - we knew it was not fair on him to keep him going as he was with so little quality of life & so had to make the decision to give him peace. It was the last thing we could do for him after he'd given us so much. Only you know when it is the right time to make this decision for Charley but I've heard it said that it's better to do this "a day too soon than a day too late", something we try to follow (not always managing it though sadly)
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I am so sorry, Robbie. There is a neighbour of mine whose family have a fifteen year old golden cocker and she is exactly the same. I saw her the other day there and her owners are in the same position, having to decide what is for the best. It makes me so sad, so goodness knows what it is like for you :'(.
The best advice I have heard is 'better a day too early than a day too late.' He has had a good, long life and that's what you have to hold on to. Whatever you decide, we will all be thinking of you and Charley :bigarmhug:
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I really feel for you as it is the hardest decision we ever have to make but I honestly feel it would be kinder to say goodbye. When I made the decision on my 14 year old cocker the vet came to the house. She gave him a sedative first so he was sleepy. I sat on the settee with him in my arms while she gave him the last injection in his vein and he slipped away without any fear or pain. It's making me cry all over again writing this but he had a fantastic life with us as all our animals have and that has always been our solace.
When we make the decision to bring them into our lives we have to take that responsibility of possibly ending theirs when they can no longer function normally and happily.
I hope you can find the strength to make the decision to let him go and never feel guilt or remorse. He has had a very long life and no doubt a great one with you. Feel sadness and grief at the loss of a friend but know you made a kind decision in letting him go.
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My heart breaks for you Robbie :'( Truly the hardest decision we ever make.
If it were my decision, I would ask what would I want if I were Charley :luv: :luv:
Thinking of you both :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Awww Robbie sweetheart look at Charlie :luv: look into his eyes and see what he is trying to tell you :'( are they sad? is the old Charlie still in there? we knew with Poppy when we had to say goodbye as she had kidney failure and her quality of life was nothing :'( gone had my bouncy loving life little girl :'( as the kidney thing had took it's toll on her she was a shell off her former self and it wasn't fair on her to keep her going just for us :'(. It is hard Robbie but it is the last gift of love that you can give to your precious boy :luv: I know how you are feeling all of us on here that have loved and lost do :luv: give Charlie a big kiss from all of us :-* x x x
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Awww Robbie sweetheart look at Charlie :luv: look into his eyes and see what he is trying to tell you :'( are they sad? is the old Charlie still in there? we knew with Poppy when we had to say goodbye as she had kidney failure and her quality of life was nothing :'( gone had my bouncy loving life little girl :'( as the kidney thing had took it's toll on her she was a shell off her former self and it wasn't fair on her to keep her going just for us :'(. It is hard Robbie but it is the last gift of love that you can give to your precious boy :luv: I know how you are feeling all of us on here that have loved and lost do :luv: give Charlie a big kiss from all of us :-* x x x
I couldn't have put it better myself. I am so very sorry but I agree - I think the time has come to say your final goodbye to your lovely lad. We have had to do this more times than I care to remember and in our case 3 years ago it was with a 2 year old and a 3 year old. My heart broke each time and it was the hardest of decisions, but in both cases it was the right decision for the dogs. That is what you have to think about - what is right for Charlie? Poppsie is right - you can tell by looking into his eyes. If he is telling you the time is right, then I always believe better a day too soon than a day too late.
My thoughts are with you - I have never been lucky enough to have a dog as old as Charlie so can't begin to imagine how horrendous it must be to face this, but I think it will be the right decision now.
Take care of yourself and give Charlie a huge COL hug from us.
:luv:
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Awww Robbie sweetheart look at Charlie :luv: look into his eyes and see what he is trying to tell you :'( are they sad? is the old Charlie still in there? we knew with Poppy when we had to say goodbye as she had kidney failure and her quality of life was nothing :'( gone had my bouncy loving life little girl :'( as the kidney thing had took it's toll on her she was a shell off her former self and it wasn't fair on her to keep her going just for us :'(. It is hard Robbie but it is the last gift of love that you can give to your precious boy :luv: I know how you are feeling all of us on here that have loved and lost do :luv: give Charlie a big kiss from all of us :-* x x x
Tried several times to put it in my own words but these say it all. I've been here twice in last 3 years and it doesn't get any easier but, especially for Toby, who sounds as though in a very similar position, Im sure he gave a "thank you" as he slipped away & relaxed for the first time in weeks
Thinking about you both & stay strong :bigarmhug:
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: i can't add anything that hasn't already been said. will be thinking of you and charley.
i hope your health issues improve soon x
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Robbie I'm so sorry that Charley has reached the stage where he's at now. I remember him from the COL meet up in the New Forest when you were on holiday a couple of years ago and he was still a sprightly and happy boy then.
I know how difficult it is, especially when you're the sole carer and the full responsibility is yours, because that's exactly the position I was in some years ago with my 16 year old Cocker Josh. It can be very difficult to take a step back and try to look at your beloved companion with objective eyes, but that's what you need to do to help Charley.
I think you possibly already know in your heart. You've said that Charley is no longer recognisable as the dog he used to be and that his quality of life is poor. Please don't think that it's like casting off an old item that's no longer of use. If you make the decision to let Charley go you'll be releasing him from his confusion and distress and giving him that last gift of love that we all dread to give and hurts us so much, but lets our loved ones find peace.
Thinking of you and your lovely boy :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Robbie I'm so sorry that Charley has reached the stage where he's at now. I remember him from the COL meet up in the New Forest when you were on holiday a couple of years ago and he was still a sprightly and happy boy then.
It can be very difficult to take a step back and try to look at your beloved companion with objective eyes, but that's what you need to do to help Charley.
I think you possibly already know in your heart. You've said that Charley is no longer recognisable as the dog he used to be and that his quality of life is poor. Please don't think that it's like casting off an old item that's no longer of use. If you make the decision to let Charley go you'll be releasing him from his confusion and distress and giving him that last gift of love that we all dread to give and hurts us so much, but lets our loved ones find peace.
Thinking of you and your lovely boy :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Can only echo what Elaine says Robbie.. thinking of you and Charley :bigarmhug:
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I've just posted in another thread about our last dog Callie having dementia. So sorry for you Robbie and I know exactly how you feel. Callie was also 16 but we really lost the real Callie a couple of years before. We mad the decision in November last year and it still breaks my heart to think about her last years-dementia is dreadful in dogs as well as humans.
She spent her time circling the house, getting stuck in corners, trembling at any noise. She lost her bark, her energy, her zest for life and she just wasn't there anymore. We had wee and poo inside all day every day for the last year or so also. I'm so sorry to say this but it will only get worse.
We eventually made the decision and as I've said before, it should have been made earlier. We put it off because we felt just like you, as though we were getting rid because she was no longer 'any good'. But it is not like that. It really was the kindest thing for her to release her from her confused little mind. I truly believe that Callie knew on the day she was going and her tail was wagging again (strange I know) as we went to the vets-she hated the vets all her life but not on her last day. I am sure she was relieved and I like to think she knew was going to a better place.
Good luck with your decision. My heart goes out to you and I send love and best wishes for you and Charley xxx
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Dear Robbie, my heart is bleeding for you now and this momentous decision. I feel the same as the other people posting and no doubt more who have read, cried, then felt unable to put their thoughts in writing. :'( :'( :'(
Charley is now depending on you to make the ultimate choice and make it you must for his sake. You have gone above and beyond taking care of him, now hopefully with some wise words and guidance from all of us to help, you realise the time has come to let him go. Remember all the good times and know he will be reliving them at the bridge and waiting for you to join him eventually xxxxx
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Dear Robbie, my heart is bleeding for you now and this momentous decision. I feel the same as the other people posting and no doubt more who have read, cried, then felt unable to put their thoughts in writing. :'( :'( :'(
Charley is now depending on you to make the ultimate choice and make it you must for his sake. You have gone above and beyond taking care of him, now hopefully with some wise words and guidance from all of us to help, you realise the time has come to let him go. Remember all the good times and know he will be reliving them at the bridge and waiting for you to join him eventually xxxxx
Couldn't put it better.....
My heart goes out to you Robbie. After all you have been through together I would say hold Charley close, but let him go :luv:
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I'm so sorry to read this, and sending lots of love and strength to you all through this difficult time :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
As others have said, it's got to boil down to whether the bad outweighs the good - for Charley - and this is the ultimate act of love.
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So sorry that things are so bad for Charley now :'(
But I can only echo what the others have said - I really think that the time has come :-\
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Dear Robbie, my heart is bleeding for you now and this momentous decision. I feel the same as the other people posting and no doubt more who have read, cried, then felt unable to put their thoughts in writing. :'( :'( :'(
Charley is now depending on you to make the ultimate choice and make it you must for his sake. You have gone above and beyond taking care of him, now hopefully with some wise words and guidance from all of us to help, you realise the time has come to let him go. Remember all the good times and know he will be reliving them at the bridge and waiting for you to join him eventually xxxxx
Couldn't put it better.....
Everyone one on here have said the words I couldn't say
it is a price we pay for loving them and letting them into our lives.
but I must add
That Charley will never leave you,
he will be just a thought a way and
Fit and well again.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Val
My heart goes out to you Robbie. After all you have been through together I would say hold Charley close, but let him go :luv:
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Soo very sad, but we as humans have had to help our furry friends in the end, and you will .....
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Nothing to add but thinking of you x
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Nothing I can say to ease the hurt and grief but I think in your heart you know the time has come. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Awww Robbie sweetheart look at Charlie :luv: look into his eyes and see what he is trying to tell you :'( are they sad? is the old Charlie still in there? we knew with Poppy when we had to say goodbye as she had kidney failure and her quality of life was nothing :'( gone had my bouncy loving life little girl :'( as the kidney thing had took it's toll on her she was a shell off her former self and it wasn't fair on her to keep her going just for us :'(. It is hard Robbie but it is the last gift of love that you can give to your precious boy :luv: I know how you are feeling all of us on here that have loved and lost do :luv: give Charlie a big kiss from all of us :-* x x x
Sound advice Dianne......as always.
So very sad for you and for Charlie, Robbie. My heart goes out to you. This is not an easy one. Xx
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I really feel for you, had to make this decision a few years back for the same reasons.
Don't feel bad it is the kindest thing you can do for him. He isn't going to get better. You wouldn't want him to suffer. Let him go gently, he would thank you for it. When I did it I felt relieved for my girl and myself. It was the right thing to do. It's not an easy thing to do, but not as bad as you fear, my girl slipped peacefully away. Got to admit took her to the vets twice to do it, and brought her home again with more tablets, which were not going to do any good for her at all. Big hugs for you and your boy, be strong and do it for him.
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I echo what Julie said. So sorry xx :'(
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I am thinking of you at this difficult time. :luv:
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It truly is the time we all dread. I have lost 7 of my own dogs and I had to play God with them all. Each has broken my heart and apart from Brodie who I had to return and the rescue decided, I know each time there was no other choice, they look at you as if to say "I've had enough Dad, time to go". I know its always been right for the dogs I have lost, but I still cry buckets every time.
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It's akin to casting off an old item that's no longer of any use.
It's really not, it's letting them go with some semblance of dignity. As much as we'd like to hope our dogs will go peacefully in their sleep after a totally healthy life in reality unfortunately this seldom happens and to my mind the very least we can do for them after all they give us throughout their lives is give them a dignified end when they are too old and/or too ill to be themselves any more. It's not a matter of them being an inconvenience or 'wanting rid'; it's thinking about what is fair to them when they are ill, confused and distressed with no hope of recovery, hard and heartbreaking as it is to have to be the one to make the decision. If you know that your dog no longer has any quality of life then it is past time to be brave and do the right thing by them. There's no doubting your love for Charley and this is the last and greatest kindness you can give him now.
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I agree with everyone and I really hope you find the strength to do the right thing for Charlie.
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What a heartbreaking decision for you :'( Lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: to you.
My mam knew when it was time for her springer, she just had it written in her eyes, almost begging to be let go, so so sad but you must do what is best for Charley :luv:
Take care.
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:'( :'( I have no words of wisdom for you, I still hurt for all my pets that I
Have had to make that decision for. I think you and only you will know when the time is right, it's had to put there needs first when we love them so much. I love and prayers are with you both x
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Thinking of you and Charley and feeling so sad for you.
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. Am I doing it for myself, or in the best interests of Charley. It's akin to casting off an old item that's no longer of any use.
I would have to ask you honestly - are you keeping Charley going for yourself or for him? You would not be casting him off you would be rewarding his love and loyalty over the years and repaying the trust he would put in you that you would look after him until the end and not let him suffer or struggle in an undignified way. I can't begin to imagine the pain you are feeling now, and I know you say you can't make the decision - but if not you who else can do it for Charley? Stay strong :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: and let your heart guide you to make the right decision for Charley.
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I'm very sorry to hear that Charley is so poorly :'(
If you know that your dog no longer has any quality of life then it is past time to be brave and do the right thing by them. There's no doubting your love for Charley and this is the last and greatest kindness you can give him now.
I so agree.
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you have to do the hardest/kindest thing for them in the end , its obvious you love him :luv: i think you know in your heart you have to make the hardest decision for Charleys sake and i really feel for you :'( :'(
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Agree with the sentiment expressed - thinking of you and Charley and the last kindness you can give him. :bigarmhug:
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I'm so sorry. I had to make this decision with one of my precious cats, Jazzie, just a few weeks back where I could have prolonged treatment although there was very limited hope of it helping, but knew the least distressing and best thing for her was to let her go. It's inevitable that no matter how much you know that this is the best and most loving and responsible decision, you still question yourself and your motives and deal with the feelings of guilt and disloyalty and all the rest of it. It's horrible to go through. :bigarmhug:
What I've always held onto is that my pets give me so much, I don't want them to ever have to know what suffering or distress is. Being there for them and with them at the end of their lives is a part of loving them, and I could make sure Jazzie was with me in a calm, peaceful room and that once she'd had the injection, she just fell asleep in my arms while I talked to her. It doesn't ease how much you miss them, but you will remember that you made the right decision at the right time out of love.
Thinking of you.
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Dear Robbie, as the others have said it is time to let him go, we had to make the same choice with our Chocolate Lab, he had bowel cancer, had 3 operations in the hope of prolonging his life, we went for a check up from the last one, the news was bad, it was spreading too fast, I am sure he knew what the vet was saying, he looked at us with such pleading in his eyes "let me go Mum please" I knew then the time was exactly right.
You will know too if you look into his eyes, will be thinking of you
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I'm very sorry to hear about Charley and I agree with what everyone else has said. Ask the vet to come out to your house though - it will be better for both of you.
A lovely vet I had for over 20 years till we moved once told me she wished people would put their old dogs to sleep months sooner than when they finally decided to do it.
Thinking of you.
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Dear Robbie, i am so sorry, that you are having to decide what decision to make :'( all i can say is you know how much Charley loves you and the amount of love you have given him all his life, the most loving thing you can do for your beautiful boy now is to give him the peace, that he so deserves :luv: :luv: Thinking of you and sending lots of love :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :luv: :luv:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Thinking of you Robbie :bigarmhug: at this terrible time.
You have got to be strong for Charlie. Hold him in your arms, soothe him, reassure him, let him gently slip away into peace. Let the last things he feels in this life to be your arms around him, loving him.
If you do put off the decision, Charlie could go in the middle of the night, scared, bewildered and alone. You wouldn't want that for him.
The pain you are feeling is the price we have to pay for loving them so much :'( :'(
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I would agree that it is all in the eyes. I knew that my collie cross was ready just by looking into her eyes, i made the decision about 9.30 pm that i was going to take her to be PTS the next day. One hour later she passed quietly away, with absolutely no fuss, she just laid down and went to sleep.
Given his quality of life, I think you already know what your decision should be, but it doesnt make it any easier.
you have my sympathies
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You obviously love him so very much, you will make the right decision. My heart goes out to you XXXXX
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My thoughts are with you guys, I have been there to many times and I only feel bad about one dog who I should have let go earlier. I now say a week to early is better than a day to late.
In a way we are fortunate in being legally allowed to let our beloved dogs go with some dignity when the time is right, an option not open to us humans.
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My heart goes out to you Rob :luv: it is such a difficult to decision to make, but I have to agree with everything Jeff has said. You will know and he will tell you when it's time to go ........
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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I really feel for you Robbie. I was in exactly the same position 2 years ago. Jezzie was coming up to her 17th birthday, she had dementia & was incontinent plus she had lost most of the muscle tone in her back legs following a spinal op some years before. This had been a gradual deterioration but she got worse & worse until at the end she sometimes couldn't walk far without sitting down as her legs gave way. She couldn't get out of her bed without my help. Looking back I now realise I let her go on too long but I loved her so much I didn't want her to leave me. She wasn't the Jezzie I knew, she was an empty shell & everybody kept telling me I should let her go but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.
In the end, after a particularly bad couple of days, I knew I had to do the unthinkable. It was the most difficult thing I've ever had to do in my life and if I think about it too much I still cry (I'm crying now typing this) but I had to do it for Jezzie. She had no quality of life anymore & I was keeping her alive for my own selfish reasons. My other half was brilliant, he arranged it all, I knew I couldn't. He booked us in at the local Pet Crematorium where we spent some time saying goodbye to her then we had her cremated & got her ashes back a few days later (I had them put in with Misty, her Mum's).
Have you looked at www.rainbowbridge.com? Under the section "Pet Loss Grief Support Centre" there is a link entitled "Making the Decision". It was a great comfort to me and made a lot of sense.
Only you can decide what to do, and I know how very, very hard it is. You obviously love Charley very much.
Thinking of you
X
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I sill haven't made a decision.
The problem I have is that Charley isn't sick or in pain. If he were, I wouldn't hesitate. He eats well, in fact he will eat almost anything, and he has no difficulty getting around. His dementia is pitiful to see, and I wonder if I am contemplating putting him to sleep because it will make my life easier. He has lost a lot of weight, which his vet said was due to dementia, even though he has a good appetite. He is on a raw diet, and I feed him 300 gms of minced chicken - for his weight the feeding guide suggests 250 gm - plus, he has treats and any leftover meat from my meals.
I know his quality of life is poor: he won't let me cuddle him, he struggles and cries when I try to hold him. He is deaf and blind and incontinent. It would be a great relief to me if he went, and this is my dilemma: having him put to sleep would be would be better for me. I would be overwhelmed with guilt.
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Robbie, you say his quality of life is poor and you know its only going to get worse, never better so please stop with the guilt feelings. If you had the slightest suspicion that the Charlie was having good times as well as bad times with some quality of life you would put up with the bad times and I doubt you would have ever written your original post.
My heart truly goes out to you as its an awful position that most of us have to go through at some time as dog owners, it comes with the job when you have dogs.
I do not believe for one instant that you would have Charlie PTS just to make life easier.
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Oh Robbie I'm so sorry to
read all this, such a difficult time...
nobody can make this decision
for you, a dilemma indeed.
Big hugs for you and Charley,
sending you both all my love...
steffxxx
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Robbie, please, please put aside your own feelings for a minute and look at what you've just written. Poor old Charley has no quality of life. He's deaf, blind, demented and incontinent. He doesn't even want to be held or cuddled anymore, which speaks volumes to me. The poor little soul is trapped in a body and mind that have given up on him.
It's a dreadful position to be in, but please put your guilty feelings aside and focus on Charley and what's best for him. Nobody is going to think that you'd be having Charley PTS just to make your life easier.
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I am so sorry you are going through this.
The only words I can give you which I read on here was that it was better to be a month too early than an hour too late. These are words I have repeated on a couple of occasions to other animal lovers.
Personally, I would prefer to be able to decide on the when, where, who with etc than allow an undignified end possibly alone and in a strange place.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Robbie, please, please put aside your own feelings for a minute and look at what you've just written. Poor old Charley has no quality of life. He's deaf, blind, demented and incontinent. He doesn't even want to be held or cuddled anymore, which speaks volumes to me. The poor little soul is trapped in a body and mind that have given up on him.
It's a dreadful position to be in, but please put your guilty feelings aside and focus on Charley and what's best for him. Nobody is going to think that you'd be having Charley PTS just to make your life easier.
Awww Robbie I whole heartily agree with Elaine on this :luv: but at the end of the day only YOU can decide what is best for your Charley :luv: it is heart breaking having to say goodbye :'( but sometimes we have to put our feelings to one side and think what is best for our fur baby's :luv: we are here for you what ever you decide
:luv: x x x
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Robbie, please, please put aside your own feelings for a minute and look at what you've just written. Poor old Charley has no quality of life. He's deaf, blind, demented and incontinent. He doesn't even want to be held or cuddled anymore, which speaks volumes to me. The poor little soul is trapped in a body and mind that have given up on him.
It's a dreadful position to be in, but please put your guilty feelings aside and focus on Charley and what's best for him. Nobody is going to think that you'd be having Charley PTS just to make your life easier.
Elaine has summed up my feelings entirely Robbie - having Charley PTS, whilst difficult for you I acknowledge, is the right thing to do given his current quality of life. You say he isn't sick or in pain but he is - he has dementia and for whatever reason is incontinent and cries when you try to hold or cuddle him - which is not how healthy dogs are. In my book you would not be doing this just to make life easier for yourself - yes, that would an outcome of the whole thing - but you would be doing it out of love and kindness for Charley. He needs to be released Robbie and that is the last act of responsible ownership you can give Charley to thank him for the years of joy and love he has shared with you. I wish you well.
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Robbie, please take on board what Elaine and everyone else has said - I don't want to sound harsh, but you need to do the right thing for Charley, he has no quality of life or pleasure - his life has become intolerable :'( You surely must know that the kindest thing to do is to release him now :-\
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Yes I know how you feel totally. I too felt that guilt. Out vet wouldn't advise us but he did say 'it is not just about the quality of life for Callie, you also have to think about the quality of life for your family'. This was hard to take in but again, with hindsight, it was a very true statement. You may feel guilt but you really have nothing to be guilty about. You have given your dog the most wonderful years, a happy, healthy loving home and total devotion whilst ill. It is your decision but you really should think about your quality of life as well-it is not selfish, just realistic. Good luck and lots of :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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It would be so much easier if our babes could make the decision for us.
But they cant, so we must step up and be brave. Charley darling has had a good life and now it his time to sleep and dream. please say goodnight and have no thoughts about guilt. Charley will not hold it against you and neither ( if it matters) will anybody else
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Robbie
Nobody hates being God more than me, but there reaches a time in a dogs life when you really do need to make that heart breaking decision.
I've often heard it said, better a day early than a day late. How true that is, we had two cats that lived until they were 17, Pooh the first one was struggling, but we kept her going then suddenly she suffered a total organ failure and was in terrible pain and I had to play God. Winnie was also struggling and again suffered a total organ failure and was in terrible pain, but she died in my arms before I reached the vets. I vowed this would never happen with my dogs and it never has. Once your dog loses its dignity, you have to help him or her over the bridge, it is the most special act of kindness you can give.
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It would be so much easier if our babes could make the decision for us.
But they cant, so we must step up and be brave. Charley darling has had a good life and now it his time to sleep and dream. please say goodnight and have no thoughts about guilt. Charley will not hold it against you and neither ( if it matters) will anybody else
I can only agree, and send lots of hugs.
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Robbie I so feel for you....No one can make this decision but you, take care of yourself and remember sometimes words typed on these forums can seem blunt and harsh but they aren't meant in that way.
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Robbie, please, please put aside your own feelings for a minute and look at what you've just written. Poor old Charley has no quality of life. He's deaf, blind, demented and incontinent. He doesn't even want to be held or cuddled anymore, which speaks volumes to me. The poor little soul is trapped in a body and mind that have given up on him.
It's a dreadful position to be in, but please put your guilty feelings aside and focus on Charley and what's best for him. Nobody is going to think that you'd be having Charley PTS just to make your life easier.
I too agree completely with Elaine. I am so so sad for you having to go through this but keeping Charley with you just because you can not make the decision is not very fair on him and from what you have posted before its clear you love him very much :'( I find it distressing to think of Charley being so confused he no longer wants a cuddle. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: for you, but please think about what you are doing to Charley.
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Robbie, I too am sitting here having a quiet blub about what you and Charley are going through. Please do it - for both your sakes but most especially for Charley. Only you can take him through the end of life and make it as easy as possible for him. Dogs are luckier than humans in this as we can do it for them. Most of us on this board have had to do it and know how painful it is, but afterwards we know we did the right thing. I for one am crying again. All the best, Diane
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Robbie - ask yourself this question - Is Charley getting any pleasure out of his life now? It is a horrendous decision to make but if the honest answer to that is no then I think you know what must be done. I can't even imagine what you are going through and when it comes to that time with either one of mine I am going to try to find every reason going why not to do it. The guilt you will feel will ease in time as will the sorrow and mourning for your loss. I know it doesn't help at all but it has to be your decision and maybe something will happen soon to trigger you making that decision. Thinking of you :'(
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I recently had to make the decision to let our dear border collie go to the bridge. She was still walking,eating and had all her faculties. Her heart was failing rapidly which meant that any slight exertion caused to her to pant and faint old cold. In that last week this would be just trotting into the garden to do a wee. We would hold her until she came round.
Hard as it was, I would not stand by and watch her deteriorate further. She could have had a heart attack at any time and I didn't want her to go in pain and panic.
I had the vet come to our house and Sophie didn't know that that morning would be her last. I enjoyed her in the garde sunshine before the vet came. She sedated Sophie which meant she dozed off as I cuddled her and when she was deeply asleep the vet administered the drug to send her to the bridge. It was all very calm.
I miss her terribly but I know I did my best for her, not for myself. She had good quality of life with us from seven weeks until she was thirteen. I would not prolong her life just for the sake of it.
Are you scared of the process of putting your dog to sleep? Talking to your vet or taking a friend with you might help.
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Hi, I remember you posting something similar in December - at that time you said that Charley didn't have quality of life. It really is a difficult thing for you to decide, but you need to do what is best for him.
I really do feel for you - I had to have my cat PTS in December and it was awful, she had kidney failure and there was nothing that could be done, so in a way it was an easy decision to make, but nonetheless it was the most awful thing I've ever had to do.
People on here have said some lovely things, which I hope give you comfort.
Thinking of you and Charley - lots of love xx
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Robbie imm going to be blunt and to the point its time to let go. you said yourself he has no quality of life let him go with the little dignity he has left . the feelings of guilt you are feeling are not good enough reasons to keep him carrying on but your love for him is reason enough for him to make his journey where he will wait for you. all my love fiona
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Robbie it's such a tough time for you. I hope that what I'm about to say makes sense. I believe that the feelings you are having are part of the natural denial process to try to save yourself from grief. If we know that a decision is going to cause us huge emotional pain, then the brain will rationalise things and come up with a reason to convince us that it is the wrong decision. As hard as it is you must step back and see that you would not be making the decision to say goodbye to Charley in order to make your life easier. In fact you are avoiding making this decision order to save yourself pain. This is perfectly normal. Your brain is thinking that the way things are now, however distressing, cannot be as bad as letting him go. This may be true for you but it really is the only decision that is right for Charley. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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This is the hardest decision a responsible and loving pet owner can ever make and one we have to accept when we give them a place in our heart and life. For me a dog knows only quality of life and not quantity. They live in the moment and unlike us don't think about tomorrow or reminice or harp back. If it was left up to him now he would probably wander off to find a comfortable place to lie down and would gradually fade away. You have the ability through love to make that fading as quick, comfortable and painless as possible. That surely is the most selfless act of love you can do for him. Please don't let him suffer because you want to have one more day with him. I've been in your shoes many times and it doesn't mean the decision gets easier, but it has made me realise I have to do what's best for them,not me. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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May be this poem will help:
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand;
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years -
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve - it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years -
Don't let your heart hold back its tears
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Oh Robbie, I just know what you are going through.
Honey, the cocker from next door who I have looked after for a long time whilst her mum was at work, had a growth on her lady bits which kept growing. She was on medication for months but it still kept growing. We knew the vet would not give her any more medication when he saw her, growths were starting to break out all over her, so we knew what would happen. But Honey was not poorly in any way, so I know what you mean about Charley. Honey would eat anything you put in front of her and squealed with excitement when she saw her lead. The evening we went to the vets for the last time she was so excited about going in the car, had a good sniff around the vets car park and went into the vets quite happily. It sounds awful but her mum & me were almost wishing for her to become poorly before the dreaded appointment, as we felt it would have made it easier.
I will be honest with you, it nearly broke us, her mum and me, but I can honestly say that there has never been one minute when either of us have thought that we did the wrong thing for Honey. We know it was the medication (steroids) that was keeping her well and we knew she could not carry on the way she was, it wouldn't have been fair on her and we would have been keeping her with us for us not for her.
My heart goes out to you, I know just how you are feeling and I feel so sorry for you.
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Robbie, only you can decide when the time is right, but it must be the right time for BOTH of you. I feel so sad for you both, and everyone who has loved and lost a pet is so familiar with this unique heartbreak. It truly is the most horrible decision anyone should ever have to make. I think that if it was my dear William I would have to let him go, but oh, that is so much easier to say than do! God bless you both. You are obviously a person who cares very, very deeply and your doggie will know that. It only hurts so much because we love them so. :'(
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Robbie, I too am sitting here having a quiet blub about what you and Charley are going through. Please do it - for both your sakes but most especially for Charley. Only you can take him through the end of life and make it as easy as possible for him. Dogs are luckier than humans in this as we can do it for them. Most of us on this board have had to do it and know how painful it is, but afterwards we know we did the right thing. I for one am crying again. All the best, Diane
Me too, keep looking at this thread and crying at your situation, I hadn't posted on this thread before, am not sure why but suppose I didn't know what to say. How is Charley doing now? I really can't imagine what you are going through, its a situation we all dread but unfortunately most of us will go through it. My heart goes out to you
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Robbie, you posted on here for advice about a very difficult decision. You've had overwhelming heartfelt responses with everyone in agreement on the way forward. Go with this advice, it wil be the kindest act you've ever done for Charley. Take care ;)
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HI Robbie
I have read through this thread and it is clear that you love Charley deeply and you are faced with a terrible decision. In your most recent post you said that Charley isn't sick or in pain but in my book dementia is a terrible sickness/illness. You certainly musn't feel guilty - think of it as releasing him from a dreadful illness which has left him without any quality of life.
I have to say that I agree with the other posters I think that the time has come for you do the kindest thing for Charley. :luv:
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Thinking of you today Robbie :bigarmhug:
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Feeling for you Robbie, my late Golden Retriever ended up with Doggie Dementia, I used to get up in the mornings to find he done no 2 in the kitchen and smeared it everywhere, he would walk outside go under the garden bench but couldn't figure how to get back out, and he would stare at walls, I believe he had gone deaf and slightly blind, also had a non cancerous lump that grew from a grape to melon size, at 15 years 2 months he gave out a pitiful whine and I just knew he was telling me he wanted to let go! I believe the time has come for your boy, don't feel guilty!
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I have an appointment with the vet at five past six tonight. A friend is going to take me and her husband will look after Henry and prepare Charley's resting place.
It's uncanny, and almost as if he knows. He was fast asleep when I came downstairs this morning and woke about 11.30. I carried him outside and he just lay down in the Sun and went back to sleep. Just looked out of the window and he hasn't moved and is still asleep.
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bless ,my thoughts will be with you Robbie
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Thinking of you today Robbie and sending you strength and hugs from here :bigarmhug: Bless you Charley - he knows it is time and trusts you to do the best thing for him. :-\ Hope he enjoys the sunshine today
Safe journey Charley :luv: :luv:
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Oh Robbie... what to say to you...
I don't know
Helping your faithful friend on his last
journey, my face seems to be raining.
bless you both :luv:
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
My thoughts will be with you all :luv:
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:bigarmhug:'s Robbie.... I know how hard this must be for you, but is the best thing you could be doing for your lovely boy. Hope you and Charley can enjoy the sunshine together a little today. Will be thinking of you both tonight. xxx
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You're in my thoughts today :'(
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Thinking about you and Charley this afternoon and evening. :'( :'( You have had to make a heartbreaking choice but one which you made out of love and one only you could make for him. Later, you'll be able to look at his photos and be comforted by memories of him. Hold on to the fact that he had a long life and was totally loved by you. Sending you all the thoughts and hugs I can. Be brave and look after yourself. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:Diana
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Thinking of you today. You truly are doing right for your boy. He has loved you all his days and will love you that bit more today.
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Robbie you and charly are in my thoughts this afternoon. sending you strength and comfort at this difficult time
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Robbie............ I really don't know what to say, but you know I'm thinking of you :luv: For what it's worth, even though it is really, really hard :'(
I think you are making the right decision for Charley :bigarmhug:
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I will be thinking of you both this evening - a heartbreaking decision.
:bigarmhug:
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words can't describe how we feel for you. Take comfort in that you have given him a wonderful life.He will be in your heart forever XXXXX
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My thoughts are with you and Charley today, Take Care Robbie x
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Sending you lots of love :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Robbie, you are both in my thoughts today :'( :'( :'(
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My thoughts will be with you later. I am so sorry
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We helped our Rosie to the bridge 3 years ago, she had dementia and it was heart breaking to watch, at the end it wasn't my Rosie pacing 24 hours a day, as much as it ripped my heart out to say goodbye we knew we had done the kindest thing for her.
Be kind to yourself, you're giving him peace :bigarmhug:
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Robbie, thinking of you tonight and the kindest bravest decision you can make for Charley xx
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Robbie my heart and thoughts go out to you at this very difficult time :bigarmhug:
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Oh Robbie :'(
Sending you and Charley :luv: lots of love :luv:
Thinking of you both :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Will be thinking of you. :bigarmhug:
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Robbie, thinking of you this afternoon and evening. The hardest decision we have to make but the kindest. Run free brave Charley. :bigarmhug:
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Echoing all the other comments - thinking of you & Charley. Wishing him a peaceful journey... :luv:
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Robbie :luv: this is the last loving gift you can give to your lovely boy Charley :luv: thinking of you at this sad time :'( :'( x x x
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Thinking of you Robbie :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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We're all thinking of you and Charley and sending our love and thoughts
Sue and Ozzy
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I will be thinking of you both this afternoon and evening. Safe journey beautiful Charley. Sending lots of love. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Doing the right thing at the right time, doesn't make it easier I know. Safe journey Charley. X
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Thinking of youand Charlie . Sending you :bigarmhug:
Erica.
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Thinking of you and Charlie today.
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safe journey Charlie x
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Thinking of you and Charlie, safe journey little man xx
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Just wanted to say we're thinking of you and Charlie today.
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Fifteen and a half! Well done Charley.
So sad for us.
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:bigarmhug: thinking of you. Take care x
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Thinking of you this evening Robbie. I know your heart will be breaking, but i sincerely hope and pray that before TOO long you will be recalling all the good times you have shared with your precious boy.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Run free at the bridge little Charley.......hearing again, seeing again, running free. Xxxxxx
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Robbie,
There are no words of confort I can add
that everyone on here has not said
Just want you to know I will be thinking of
you both tonight :luv:
God speed and a safe journey brave Charley.
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you. Sending you loads of these :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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I am thinking of you and your precious boy this evening. My heart really breaks for you but you are giving him the greatest gift you can right now, setting him free. Setting him free to run,see and hear. To be whole and youthful again, to have a clear mind.
And as his journey begins and he sees the Bridge, he will pause and look back at the one who has loved him always and he will thank you and promise that he will wait for you forever. Go well, precious Charlie.
Hugs to you and Henry, Robbie at this painful time.
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Thinking of you and your beautiful boy, what a great life he has had.
Setting him free is the kindest thing.
My heart breaks for you though.
Run free Charley, watch over your family.
He will always be with you.
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Thinking of you at this difficult time.
:bigarmhug:
Take care :bigarmhug: to you and Charley
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Thinking of you at this sad time, I know you have done some soul searching to get to your decision, but it is the right one and as many have said the last kindness you can do for your faithful friend, he has in turn given you a lifetime of memories and in the days to come they'll bring you comfort.
Much love and respect to you xx
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I wish I could find the words to ease your pain, am thinking of you at such a difficult time, I hope in the days to come your memories and knowing you have done right by Charley bring you some comfort
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Our thoughts are with you and Charley. xx
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Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. :luv:
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Thinking of you this evening...you must be heartbroken but you are carrying out the last act of love for your boy. I wish him a safe journey to the bridge where he will be free again.
All my thoughts are with you xx
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Thinking of you Robbie.... Safe journey Charley. xxx
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Thinking of you - huge hugs xxxx
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Thinking of you Robbie, sending you caring thoughts :bigarmhug: Safe and gentle journey to the bridge Charley :luv: xx
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Charley went peacefully this evening. I took him to Henry's vet who was lovely. Charley went to sleep on the vet's table but woke up when his leg was shaved. I cuddled him whilst the injection was given and he just passed away peacefully.
He is now at rest in the garden with my four other dogs.
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So sorry you have had to make this hard decision. Thinking of you :bigarmhug:. Sleep well Charley xxx
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I am so very, very sorry, Robbie, it must have been so terribly hard to do :'(. He is free from pain now at the Bridge, and I hope it gives you some comfort to know he isn't suffering any more. Big, big hugs :bigarmhug:
Run free, beautiful boy :luv: :luv:
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Run free at the bridge Charley - sleep peacefully little man.
So sorry Robbie :'(
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So sorry for your loss. It was the kindest thing you could do, though it won't stop it hurting. Thinking of you :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: Run free at the bridge gorgeous boy, no longer confused.
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So sorry Robbie, you must be bereft. :bigarmhug: Run free at the bridge sweet Charley, healthy and whole. xx
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Sweet Dreams, Charley :luv: :luv:
I understand your pain Robbie - be kind to yourself and big, big hugs :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Glad Charley went to sleep knowing you were there with him - he is now at peace. :luv: Well done Robbie - it is a hard thing, but you have done the final act of kindness for your beloved friend. :-\
How lovely that he is now resting close by - now he will always be with you. In time you will forget the sadness of his last days and smile at the memory of all the wonderful times you shared with him. :luv:
Take care of yourself :bigarmhug:
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It takes a brave person to say goodbye :bigarmhug:
Rest peacefully Charley knowing how much you were loved :luv:
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: Robbie x
Run free Charley :luv:
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Run free at the bridge Charley :luv: :luv:
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: take care of yourself Robbie
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my thoughts are with you :luv:
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Rest in peace Charley,
:bigarmhug: Robbie
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:bigarmhug:'s Robbie
RIP Charley and run free at the bridge gorgeous boy :angel: :luv:
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Glad Charley went to sleep so peacefully with his devoted owner at his side - sleep tight Charley :luv: Thinking of you Robbie :bigarmhug:
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I had tears in my eyes reading of your final moments with Charley :'(
You have been very brave Robbie :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
How wonderful that Charley was so well loved and he was able to leave you in a dignified way, not alone and with your loving arms around him :luv: :luv:
It will hurt greatly in the days to come and I am sure you will 'see' him around your house in the following weeks but please try to remember the good times you have shared with him, put your favourite photographs of Charley up and try to smile at them knowing how much he was loved.
He will always be in your heart :luv: :luv:
Run free at the Bridge handsome Charley :luv:
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Sending love to the bridge for you, beloved Charley :luv: :luv: :luv:
Robbie sending you strength :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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So sorry Robbie :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Run free beautiful Charley :luv: :luv:
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Sleep tight sweet boy.
Take care of yourself Robbie. Xxx
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Run free at the bridge Charley :luv: :luv:
Thinking of you Robbie :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Run free at the bridge little man...you were such a precious boy and so very loved.
Big hugs Robbie....take care of yourself and the memories you have of your boy will remain with you for a lifetime...my thoughts are with you xx
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Thinking of you. At peace now, treasure the memories.
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Take care Robbie, although it was the only decision you could have taken, it really hurts those left behind. He will be in doggy heaven now and free from pain and distress. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: Special hugs from Minnie, Dennis, Rosie as well as Pauline and I.
As you know, having lost the others, the pain does fade eventually, but you will never forget your faithful boy and he will never forget you.
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:bigarmhug: Robbie, its the hardest but kindest thing you have been brave enough to do for your boy.
Run free at the bridge Charley, till you meet again :luv: :luv:
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Run free Charley, all well again now.
I am so sorry Robbie, I know how sad you must be feeling, but be proud at the wonderful happy life you gave Charley, he was such a lucky boy to have you in his life.
Thinking of you and Henry, and feeling for you.
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
You have done the kindest thing for your beloved boy. It is the ultimate act of kindness we show to our beloved dogs to be with them on that final journey. I feel your pain Robbie but Charlie is at peace and free from suffering and you must know in your heart you have done the right thing for him today. Run free at the bridge Charlie.
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Take care Robbie, thinking of you
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Dear Robbie, I have been looking at this thread often and wondering - now Charlie is at peace and my heart goes out to you xx Run Free at the Bridge Charlie and take care of yourself Robbie.
Beyond The Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
By Cate Guyan © 1995 Used with permission
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Run free Charley :luv: :luv: Sleep tight :angel:
Thinking of you and knowing how painful this decision has been for you :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Run free Charley you were so loved.
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Run free at the bridge Charley, pain free & forever young :luv:
Big :bigarmhug: to you Robbie. Your heart will be breaking but this will ease & you will again think & talk about Charley with a smile on your face & love in your eyes.
Take care
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Hope that you can find peace of mind now that your dear doggy Charley is at rest.
Take care and cherish all the happy moments that you have had together... :luv:
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I'm so sorry Robbie :'( but really glad that you were with your lovely boy and that he's at rest now :luv:
Take care and remember all the wonderful times you and Charley shared :bigarmhug:
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So sorry for your loss Robbie - Charley is at peace now running at the bridge with all those others who have gone before. Take care of yourself and be kind to yourself - take time to grieve properly.
Big hugs.
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Sleep well Charley :angel:
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Run free Charley :luv:
Take care Robbie, cherish your memories of all the love & happiness you shared with Charley :bigarmhug:
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You saw him through surrounded in your love. You can't do better for a beloved friend than that. Take care, Robbie. My sympathy for your loss.
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Such a heart breaking time for you, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Charley was obviously so very very loved. Take care of yourself Robbie, I'm thinking of you. Run free Charley xx :luv:
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In our hearts we know it is the right decision but doesn't lessen our pain - my thoughts are with you
Run free Charley x
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I dont know what to say to bring you any comfort. Words just seem irrelevant x
:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Take care x
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So hard that we out live our animals and have to make the decision to let them go, but we are richer in so many ways that we allow our hearts to be broken over and over again. All we can do is be reassured that their lives with us were the best that we could make them. Sleep tight Charley until you meet again.
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My heart goes out to you and will be thinking of you especially in the coming days.
Run free at the Bridge Charley, forever young and waiting for your Dad :luv: :luv:
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Such a sad day, but the kindest thing you could do was let him go with his dignity.
My thoughts are with you.
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Run free Charley
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Thinking of you
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:bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: So sorry for you Robbie but such a lovely way for Charley to go knowing he was loved and that you were with him by his side until the end. Take care Robbie.
Run free Charley forever young :luv: :luv: :luv:
Angie x
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Aw Robbie so so sorry for your loss, you will smile again soon and remember all the good times you both had :luv: thinking of you x
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Run free Charley, I'm so sorry for your loss :'( :'(
Been hovering around this thread, but didn't know what to say, it's so sad.
Take care of yourself and Henry :luv:
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I'm so sorry for your loss Robbie, I will always remember you bringing Charlie to Formby on our meet ups and what a character he was. :luv:
Run free Charlie :luv:
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I am so sorry Robbie :'( :'(, that you have had to say good bye to your very special boy :luv: :luv: but i am glad, that you were able to spend those last precious moments with him. Treasure all those precious memories and know that he will always be close by you, :luv: thinking of you :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
Run free at the Bridge Charley :angel: :luv: :luv:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
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Thinking of you. Lovely pictures of him on the other thread by the way. What a special boy! :'(
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Hi Robbie, I've just caught up with this thread. I don't know why it has affected me so much but I for one have shed quite a few tears over your boy. I'm glad you were able to be with him at the end and that you know he went peacefully, and now he's back in his garden where he belongs. Take care., Diane
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No words to say Robbie but am thinking of you and Charley at the bridge. Take care of yourself
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Thinking of you Robbie. Sending lots of healing thoughts your way, and plenty of these. :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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So sorry to see that Charley's wonderful life with you has come to an end.
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So sorry for your loss Robbie, but you did the right thing for Charley, he's at peace now :bigarmhug:
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Thinking of you Robbie - you did the right thing. Rest in peace Charley xxx
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Run free at the Bridge, sweet Charley. Thinking of you Robbie. :bigarmhug: Let Henry help you through your grief, as I'm sure he will.
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So very sorry for your loss. Sleep tight Charley xx
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So sorry for your loss. Can't begin to imagine. :bigarmhug: Run free Charley.
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Its so hard to let them go but we owe them so much . Memories are wonderful . big :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug:
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Thank you everyone for your messages of sympathy and support for which I have been extremely touched and grateful.
I never thought I would be so upset about losing Charley because in some ways it was an enormous relief. However, his going has left a gaping hole in my life. He has been my constant companion for almost fifteen and a half years - he was ten weeks old when he replaced Benjie, who was almost sixteen years old when he passed on. He was such a lovely dog who didn't have a bite or growl in him. He was totally non-aggressive, and could be trusted with the youngest child. I recall staying in Norwich, when Charley was about six months old, and an elderly lady with her daughter, who had Down's Syndrome, asked if her little girl could stroke Charley. I asked her if she would like to hold him, and she was delighted. Charley was so good when she held him and he licked her and made a fuss: he was so gentle. He went everywhere with me and never disgraced himself in hotels or restaurants in France. I'm not sure I will be able to say the same of Henry who is very boisterous and not at all gentle, although he also has a lovely nature and can be trusted.
Charley is now resting near Benjie at the bottom of the garden.
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Robbie, I'm sure Henry will redeem himself!
When I lost Danny last year, Minnie assumed "TOP DOG" position, even though she was only 2 years old and very WILD. She has really calmed down and is a true topdog now!
There is no doubt you will miss Charlie, I still miss Danny even now, but the pain has gone, though it was bad at the start.
If you need someone to talk to, please PM me and I'll be delighted to call you.
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God bless you, Robbie, and I understand so well the pain you are going through at the moment. Lots of tears in my eyes for you and your boy tonight. He will never leave you. :luv: Take comfort from the fact that he will always be close by.
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So sorry for your loss :'( Thinking of you at this sad time :bigarmhug:
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Oh Robbie, I'm thinking of you.
There is only one thing wrong with dogs. They do not live long enough.
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Robbie, I'm sure Henry will redeem himself!
When I lost Danny last year, Minnie assumed "TOP DOG" position, even though she was only 2 years old and very WILD. She has really calmed down and is a true topdog now!
There is no doubt you will miss Charlie, I still miss Danny even now, but the pain has gone, though it was bad at the start.
If you need someone to talk to, please PM me and I'll be delighted to call you.
Henry doesn't need to redeem himself, he's lovely. Just different to Charley. It would be difficult to choose between them as both are so loveable. I also had Charley to myself for thirteen years, whereas I shared Henry with Charley for two and a half years.
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Robbie, I'm sure Henry will redeem himself!
When I lost Danny last year, Minnie assumed "TOP DOG" position, even though she was only 2 years old and very WILD. She has really calmed down and is a true topdog now!
There is no doubt you will miss Charlie, I still miss Danny even now, but the pain has gone, though it was bad at the start.
If you need someone to talk to, please PM me and I'll be delighted to call you.
Henry doesn't need to redeem himself, he's lovely. Just different to Charley. It would be difficult to choose between them as both are so loveable. I also had Charley to myself for thirteen years, whereas I shared Henry with Charley for two and a half years.
How is Henry now, Robbie? I hope his medication has been sorted and he's now not having as many seizures as he was.
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Unfortunately, Henry is still having seizures regularly. He had a seizure on the 5th June and again on the 7th June. He seems to be having them about every two weeks and then two in succession. Apart from these he's fine in himself and very loveable. He's as lovely as Charley, but not as gentle: much more demonstrative.
On another note, I received a lovely sympathy card from the vet practice this morning and enclosed was a poem If It Should Be. I really do appreciate their thoughts for me. I have never had a card like this before.
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Unfortunately, Henry is still having seizures regularly. He had a seizure on the 5th June and again on the 7th June. He seems to be having them about every two weeks and then two in succession. Apart from these he's fine in himself and very loveable. He's as lovely as Charley, but not as gentle: much more demonstrative.
On another note, I received a lovely sympathy card from the vet practice this morning and enclosed was a poem If It Should Be. I really do appreciate their thoughts for me. I have never had a card like this before.
What a lovely gesture! sorry that Henry is still having seizures regularly - has the vet done any blood tests recently? If not, then ask them - he may not have the best 'therapeutic levels' of his meds in his bloodstream.
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He has had lots of blood tests and will have to have another next month before he can have a repeat of the Epiphen. His vet is very thorough.
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So sad to read about your situation - both your angst and devotion shine through in every word. :'(
I also saw your pictures on the photo board and my word what a handsome chap he was :luv:
My very best wishes to you and sleep tight, Charley x
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So sorry to hear your news Rob, run free at the bridge Charley, and I hope that Henry's condition can be stabilized.
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So very sorry for your loss. Run free at the bridge Charley you will be missed.
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My thoughts are with you Robbie, I really hope Henry's health will stabilise :bigarmhug: :bigarmhug: