So after months of watching Nikki my golden retreiver of 14 years deteriorate, I think it's time to finally let her go. She's in so much pain, and you can see every bone in her entire body. I'm really sad... but I feel TERRIBLE because I'm not really really upset like I was when we lost Midnight. I think its because I've been expecting it. We've had her for so long. I dont want to think of what it would be like without her. She's always been my precious puppy. I'm sad... but I think it's really her time. Shes so old and shes so far gone.

*edit* Okay NOW I'm really upset. I dont know why but It just now hit me and I can't stop sobbing. I cant imagine life without my "Brown Eyed Girl"

I don't know what to do. I don't really want to let go yet. And It's only been a year since Middy died....

Towards the end with my boy Jackson, he was in pain also. For a while, we were able to use medication to ease his pain. But it got to the point where the pain seemed to be constant, and his breathing was labored. While I knew that the time was coming and tried preparing for it, it still hurt immensely. I miss my son.

What I would say is this: &%^yze whether or not medication can help. Also ask yourself: Am I keeping him around for me, or does he want release from his pain.

If he can still live a good life with a pain regimen, i'd explore that so that you can share his life a little more. But if medications aren't helping, then helping him move on would be the ultimate act of love and comp^^ion that you can do for him.

I'll say a prayer for you. This is a difficult time, no matter what choice you make. I had wanted my boy to expire naturally, but seeing him with his labored breathing just hurt me so bad. I made the choice to put my son down to ease his pain. Yes, it brought emotional pain to me. but that was short lived. I feel better knowing he's resting in peace and pain free.

Just remember that the last gift you can give your beloved pet is to help her to leave this earth without pain. I did it for my Daisy and I know how hard it is.

Months later it brings tears to my eyes - not the manner of her p^^ing, just the pain that she is no longer here.

My thoughts are with you.


Daisy's Mommy

Nikki looks so nice in the photo. She has such a nice, peaceful face. The pain of letting her go is horrible. You might try some herbal stuff for her just to see if it may pull her through. I always try everything I can until is all exhausted before making the decision. My dog Besty died suddenly on Monday night but 1.3 years ago she was only given 3 months to live because of failing kidneys. I put her on a special food and gave her artesian water and she lived until Monday dying from a twisted stomach which in turn stopped her heart. What I am trying to say is try some other stuff just to see. She will let you know. I will pray for you and Nikki as well that everything will be ok. Just hang in there and let God guide you through all of this. Take care, Kevin

I am so sorry about Nikki...it is such a difficult decision to make.

I too went through seeing my buddy keep losing weight...it was so sad toward the end. He too was so week and in pain. I understand what you are going through. The decision was hard, but also the best for my beloved pet. I was lucky to have been with him for so long.