How Do You Know When It's Time? Options

[Bobbie]

My Trevor is slowly dying from a bunch of neurologic problems. Most of the time his pain is controlled by medication given every 3 hours. But then there are the nights that he and I are up for hours. Trevor is pacing, digging into the carpet, shaking his head and whimpering with pain. I give him many extra doses of pain medication, antihistamines and sedatives and then wait for them to "kick in". This can take up to another half-hour. He does not like to be touched at all during these episodes and, since he's almost deaf, he cannot hear soothing words. So I either sit or lie with him on the floor. When he does, finally, fall asleep, I cover him with his blanket and lie down beside him, covering his paw with my hand. That seems to be comforting to Trevor.
Trevor's neurologist says that Trevor will not die of the neuro problems. It will be a quality of life issue. Oh, great.
My problem is this: with each of my other ##er Spaniels, I knew exactly when it was time. This time I have no idea. I do NOT want Trevor to suffer, but there are times when he is doing just that. And yet, afternoons and evenings are decent times for him. And my heart just breaks when I think of him not being here (with me). Then I feel selfish, then I feel scared, etc. etc. etc.

Is there anyone who might be willing to share any advice they have?

I love Trevor with all my heart and soul. He is a 12 year old rescue dog that we've had to almost 2 years. He is such a good boy, even with all his "issues" and I want only the VERY BEST for him.
Thanks so much!
Trevor's very sad mom

[Bobbie]

Hey Peggy,

Trevor's day was pretty good again. He actually got up around 8:00 am and we got downstairs right away. I started the amantadine today, but it's going to take some time to see any effects. Trevor is once again panting at night. It may be from the little bit of Prednisone he's on. That happened last time we tried prednisone.

I wanted to tell you that our niece (who is now 30 years old) went to EMERSON COLLEGE! And we went up to Boston for her graduation. Graduation was held in some large theatre. I cannot remember the name. Joe Biden was the commentment speaker and he did a good job. Leia is back in Baltimore, expecting her first child in August. She LOVED Emerson and Boston. Small world isn't it?

And thank you for sharing your memories of Peggy the Dog with me. She sounds like the perfect Golden. They are really wonderful creatures - just a bit too big and energetic for me. I knew a seeing eye Golden named Magic who worked for over 10 years with her master. She and I used to play all the time. Keep on sending me stories of your precious Miss Peggy. I'll enjoy them with you. And even though it hasn't been very long at all since she passed, your memories will keep getting better and better.

I know I have many fond memories of Crocker, Birney, Kelly, Jasper, Rudy and now Trevor. Kelly was an English ##er who was rescued and lived the longest of any of our boys. He had a beautiful sable coat that really stood out when he was shaved. We shaved all of our boys - I'm not in to hour long grooming sessions and the guys really liked short hair. Jasper was a Brittany who only lived with us for 3 weeks before being diagnosed with cancer. We euthanised him right away because he was already suffering from so many other painful problems (including chronic pancreatitis). Crocker was my first ##er and his name really was Crocker Spaniel! Birney was hand picked from my girlfriend's favorite dog's litter. I first saw him at one week of age and he was sent to me when he was 12 weeks old. He was smart as a whip and it was difficult to stay one step ahead of him. He even ate a row off our wedding cake! I'll tell you all about him some day. Rudy was my boy, again from my girlfriend, sent to me when he was 2 years old. He was a great dog, gentle and I would have to say "kind" also. Oh! I could go on and on, but that would just bore you to tears.

Have a peaceful and restful night. You truly deserve it!

Love,
Bobbie & Trevor

[Peggy's Human]

Hey Peggy,

Trevor's day was pretty good again. He actually got up around 8:00 am and we got downstairs right away. I started the amantadine today, but it's going to take some time to see any effects. Trevor is once again panting at night. It may be from the little bit of Prednisone he's on. That happened last time we tried prednisone.

I wanted to tell you that our niece (who is now 30 years old) went to EMERSON COLLEGE! And we went up to Boston for her graduation. Graduation was held in some large theatre. I cannot remember the name. Joe Biden was the commentment speaker and he did a good job. Leia is back in Baltimore, expecting her first child in August. She LOVED Emerson and Boston. Small world isn't it?

And thank you for sharing your memories of Peggy the Dog with me. She sounds like the perfect Golden. They are really wonderful creatures - just a bit too big and energetic for me. I knew a seeing eye Golden named Magic who worked for over 10 years with her master. She and I used to play all the time. Keep on sending me stories of your precious Miss Peggy. I'll enjoy them with you. And even though it hasn't been very long at all since she passed, your memories will keep getting better and better.

I know I have many fond memories of Crocker, Birney, Kelly, Jasper, Rudy and now Trevor. Kelly was an English ##er who was rescued and lived the longest of any of our boys. He had a beautiful sable coat that really stood out when he was shaved. We shaved all of our boys - I'm not in to hour long grooming sessions and the guys really liked short hair. Jasper was a Brittany who only lived with us for 3 weeks before being diagnosed with cancer. We euthanised him right away because he was already suffering from so many other painful problems (including chronic pancreatitis). Crocker was my first ##er and his name really was Crocker Spaniel! Birney was hand picked from my girlfriend's favorite dog's litter. I first saw him at one week of age and he was sent to me when he was 12 weeks old. He was smart as a whip and it was difficult to stay one step ahead of him. He even ate a row off our wedding cake! I'll tell you all about him some day. Rudy was my boy, again from my girlfriend, sent to me when he was 2 years old. He was a great dog, gentle and I would have to say "kind" also. Oh! I could go on and on, but that would just bore you to tears.

Have a peaceful and restful night. You truly deserve it!

Love,
Bobbie & Trevor

Hi Bobbie,

I'm glad Trevor is doing well with pain management. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the new med does what the Dr hopes! Please feel free to share any stories you'd like. I don't think you could possibly bore anyone on this site with an animal story! Thank you for sharing the story of Crocker eating a row of your wedding cake. Only a true animal lover could forgive something like that! Regarding Emerson College, you were closer than you realize. I attended Suffolk University, which is literally on the other side of the Boston Common. - 1 block away As a matter of fact, when I attended school there, I believe Emerson was 'renting space' in one of Suffolk's buildings on the corner of Tremount Street. And I think I told you my best friend is originally from North Dakota. Elements of our lives have crossed paths several times. What a small world!

You and Trevor remain in my prayers and I hope you have a very peaceful night!

take care,

Peggy