Please...some Support For Me, Poppers, And Ladywolf, Poppers is dying, I think... Options

[ladywolf]

Oh, so suddenly, Poppers, my 15-year-old Black Labrador, just lost control of her legs (and her mind, to some degree too.). She crashed all over the kitchen a couple of days ago, and I had to carry her back to the car after an attempt at a little outdoor time yesterday. Since then, she's just been resting, and I'm just...waiting. Waiting is awful, but she seems to be pretty comfortable, has even eaten something today and drunk a lot of water, but I can tell in my bones that she is dying.

Ladywolf and Poppers have been my only "blood" family for their entire lifetimes. (I was "orphaned" myself in my thirties, and now I'm 59. I have NO other family, except for extended family of friends.) So my girls and I have really been a unit, and man, have we been through it. After losing a lot of money, I have had to live in the woods in my car for extended periods of time so that my dog and wolf would have a happy, safe place to spend their time. We've lived in Death Valley in the summer, they survived for eight days when I fell sick about four years ago and lay on the bathroom floor with no food or water for EIGHT DAYS before I was found. (No, no heroic "Lassie-style" rescue on the part of my girls--they just waited patiently for me to wake up!)

And now Poppers is on her way out, and Ladywolf is 15 too and won't be TOO long behind her, and I am bereft. These will probably be my last dogs, as I have plans to leave the country when they have lived out their lifespans.

I just needed to tell a little of the story and seek a little comfort. I am hoping that Pops, AKA "Peabody," goes gently and swiftly and withOUT veterinary intervention, which I despise. If she was in great pain, that would be another matter, but I really do think that she is pretty comfortable. Ladywolf is a bit freaked, but she'll survive. So will I--but darnnit, why does everyone have to keep leaving me in December, just in time for the "holidays?" (I haven't celebrated Christmas in many years--there have been way too many deaths in December for me to feel at all "festive.")

I'm a psychotherapist, among other things, and I know a LOT about death and grieving, but this is my own beloved Poppers, and I'm just not ready!

Thanks in advance for your support!

Ladywolf (aka Margi)

[Brutus]

Ladywolf...I am so sorry about Poppers...how is she doing?

I had my 13yr old black lab and soulmate, Brutus euthanized 3 weeks and 1 day ago...it was the hardest decision of my life. I totally understand your wish to let Poppers go on her own, I too thought that's the way Brutus would go..however, it didn't work out that way. I do question the timing of my decision at times, but looking back, it was the best decision for Brutus. It is only a decision that you yourself can make coupled with the relationship of Poppers and your vet. Only you know what is best.

My heart goes out to you and Godspeed to Poppers that her passing is peaceful.

Hugs,
Brutus' Mom