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]

Hi Moon Beam!

Thank you for your message! It was so encouraging. Yes, I love my sweet boy with all my heart and there is nothing I won't do for him (unless I run out of money). In the two short years that we've had him, I've grown to adore and admire him just as I have all my boys before him. He has been so good to and for me. I just wish there was more I could do to ease his pain, esp. on the bad days.

And one of them happened today. Trevor refused to come down the stairs until 11:30 this morning, even with treats on every step. Then every time I thought he was snd asleep and tried to come upstairs to do some computer work, he'd wake up and didn't know where I was. I feel badly when that happens because he has had so little security most of his life and he really likes to have mom around. This evening was particularly perplexing. We'd gone to a Little League ball game for a couple hours and got home around 8 pm. Trevor had peed everywhere and acted so frantically hungry, even though I had already fed him before we left. Then the panting started up again and by the time we got upstairs at 10 pm I was getting concerned. It took Trevor almost 45 minutes to settle down enough to lie down, but the panting continued. Finally Trevor put his head down to sleep, but his breathing remains heavy and fast. I'll be sleeping on the floor by him again tonight. I just HATE it when Trevor is uncomfortable or in pain. And I don't know where the panting is coming from this time. I'm going to start weaning the Prednisone again and give him pain medication whenever he wants it. Darn! I don't like these kind of days and nights and I know more are definitely coming. Let's hope that tomorrow is a better day.

I am going to learn all about your Oslo asap. Have a good and restful night's sleep.

XOXOxo
Bobbie

[Peggy's Human]

Hi Bobbie,

I hope you are doing well and that Trevor is doing better than he was earlier in the week. Just wanted to pop by and let you know I was thinking of all of you. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers and I thank you for all your support during the 8 week anniversary of Peggy's passing.

Take care,

Peggy