As with many folks here, I am struggling with the decision. I have a 15 year old 3lb yorkie I rescued from a puppy mill. He loves cheese, walks, snuggling and always perks his ears up when I talk to him. Other than kidney disease the is having a mobility issue. He is so tough and determined but when he tries to stand, he falls over. He can no longer walk. He is a tiny guy so I carry him everywhere and hold him while he eats and goes potty. It's so difficult for me to know if this is his time or to continue caring for him as I have. It's like having an infant in the home, he cannot be left alone and I help with potty and feeding. I am committed 100% to caring for him but struggle finding the answers.

I'm so sorry to read about your baby! I lost my sweet Kennedy on March 3. She was also a Yorkie and rescued from a puppy mill. She'd had congestive heart failure for two years and started into renal failure last Fall. At the end of February, she got sick. The vet gave her 2 weeks to 2 months, but she suddenly started struggling to breathe. A friend rushed us to the vet (I was too upset to drive myself) and I made the very difficult decision to let her go right then. The vet said he could give her a mega-dose of lasix via IV, but her lungs could fill with fluid again within hours...how could I take her home and let her struggle to breathe again? It was terribly difficult, but I knew it was right for her. I say all this because something similar may happen with your baby. I think there's a point when we know we have to let them go; that's how it's been with my other dogs, too. It's heartbreaking to do it.

Hugs for you and your pup.

Thank you for your reply. I've had other pets who I've helped cross to the rainbow bridge; and I agree, sometimes you just know. I had a Maltese puppy mill fur baby who crossed over last spring. The loss of my fur baby and knowing my beloved Peanut is next is almost unbearable. We go everywhere together. He gives me purpose and he relies on me for everything. I have a home vet on call who will help him cross over from the comfort of his home. I'm thankful for that. My heart already aches even as he lay here next to me.

Hi, hlezotte, please permit me to add my sincerest condolences for this painful Anticipatory Grief journey you and your precious Peanut are going through. I totally agree with Kennedy's momma's comforting response. There comes a point when you know in your deepest heart that the time has come to release your precious Peanut from his frail, failing, painful physical body so that he can be restored to his former youthfulness in the company of the angels. I know so very well from first hand experience how painful it is to come to this decision, but it is a decision that is made from our deepest most unselfish love for what is best for our beloved companions.

If I may make a suggestion: has your precious Peanut undergone a health assessment from his veterinary care provider recently? If not, you may want to take him in to have him examined and talk to his veterinary care provider about his quality of life. This can hopefully guide you in making decisions for your precious Peanut.

This Anticipatory Grief journey is a horror roller coaster ride all of its own. Please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us. I hope today is treating you and your precious Peanut kindly, hlezotte, and that you and your precious Peanut will have a peaceful evening. Please know you and your precious Peanut are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you both are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Hlezotte, so sorry for what you are going through. Your title really struck a chord with me because I am going through the exact same thing and posed the same question on an internet advice site just yesterday. Not sure whether you are still struggling with the decision but in case you are here is a link to the advice I got: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ask-Veterinaria...e-pet-sleep.htm You might find the quality of life chart she attached helpful as well. The only advice I can give is to keep reaching out whether it is to people in your life who will understand or on a forum like this. It helps to know you are not alone.

Dear Hlezotte,

I am so sorry for the pain you are experiencing as you make this decision!

I am glad you wrote, and I am really glad to see the great advice. Please let us know what/when you decide. As moon_beam said, we are here for you for as long as you need us!!

You are a wonderful Pet Parent. Peanut couldn't be any luckier!

Sending prayers to you and him.

Kathy

the link was very helpful esp. in light of helping my sammy jo to heaven this morning. bookmarked. thank you.

i'm so very sorry. i hope the journey for both of you is filled with peace and grace.

I've just went through the same thing with my 16 year old Shih Tzu. My heart goes out to you and this agonizing decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I wish you all the love and hugs with whatever you decide.