Hi everyone,
I am new to the boards. I am brokenhearted right now & it's good to know there are other pet fanatics out there that feel the same way I do. I've been watching my pug Daisy decline due to a degenerative spinal disease. According to the vet she will be completely paralyzed from the mid-back down in about 3 months. She has lost total control over her bladder & bowels and has to wear diapers. It's amazing she can still hobble around a little bit...but that ability is going away really fast. Anyway, I think I'm going to have to let her go soon...and it's killing me. The only consolation is that she has no feeling in her backside so there is no pain....but she can't really do anything either. She's 10 years old & has been the best friend I've ever had....I got her for a birthday present when she was 6 weeks old. I've never had to make this kind of decision before....all my other dogs throughout life died of natural causes. I know I'm being selfish keeping her with me....BUT she still seems so happy(!).......My brother told me that Daisy will let me know when she's ready......I found that really comforting. Any thoughts, comments or advice would be appreciated...and my prayers are with all of you who are struggling at the moment.
Juls

Dear Juls,

I'm so sorry. I know how incredibly heart breaking it is to watch a furbaby die. You feel completely helpless to do anything for them except make them feel loved and comfortable until that time comes. And often letting them go is the greatest act of love that we as "parents" can give them. Sometimes we feel guilt thinking that we did it too soon or not soon enough, that we should have tried alternative treatments or whatever. Daisy will let you know when its time for her to pass on. When the bad days out number the good ones, you will know. When we have had them with us for so long its only natural for us to feel selfish sometimes. They give us so much love and happiness that we often take it for granted that they will always be there for us. I have been through this numerous times and it never gets easier. Just accept the love and time that you have with Daisy and form a few more lasting memories. It will be time well spent.

Take Care,
Cynthia