Knowing When it's Time to Say Goodbye to Your Pet
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- Опубліковано 18 бер 2020
- The hardest part about having a pet is that they don’t live nearly as long as we want them to. Unfortunately, they cannot communicate when they are suffering and in pain. In this video, Dr. Mary Gardner provides some helpful insight to guide pet parents when it's time to consider veterinary hospice or humane euthanasia. www.lapoflove.com/
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Last year I had to put my 2 dogs to rest within 2 months of each other. I still think about them constantly and, in fact, I’ve got tears running down my face right now from just typing this. They were the best.
I'm crying on the inside.
I'm crying on the outside.
My 15 year old pitbull Pepper is going tonight. She was my mom's dog. Lost my mom in 2013. So Pepper is a link to her. She is going Home--to her real Mommy.
Thank you for the video. I needed this to help make the decision to end her suffering, and give her a loving goodbye.
I’m so sorry. I’m dealing with this right now with my daughter s dog. She’s my link to my daughter I’m so sorry, we’re going to the vet in the am
Hi…just read your post and I hope you’re doing okay without Pepper. I’m sorry she had to go.
Hi Ruth...I'm very sorry about your Pepper. I've had dogs 71 of my 73 years on earth. I so understand. I just wanted to let you know my dad's buddy Yogi came to live with me after my parents passed. He was such a good boy....he soo loved my papa and mourned his loss for months. When Yogi got very sick...I had to make that decision....Yogi was my last connection to my dad...(who was my favorite human my whole life) I cried all night....then morning came....I got up to let my other 3 pups out....and this is what I saw. I had a long hallway where I hung 12 framed family photos. One had fallen off the wall. (No reason weather wise) It was a photo of my papa posing in a thumbs up pose..with his crooked smile...my son took this photo years earlier and my dad proclaimed " everyting schwell" (He was a silly guy) in his goofy made up accent. This picture fell facing up and towards me. I instantly felt that he and Yogi where hanging out....I stopped the crying....They will be there waiting for us....
I just had to let my “Sadie “ go. It was last Saturday (April 8th) she was absolutely the best
dog I have ever known. She had Cushings Disease and I was helping to cope with that. She was my whole life 😥 and I can’t imagine my life without her 😢I have just been going through the motions of living when I can’t even breathe. Too much to type about our life but she was the reason I got up everyday 😢 in 4 months she would have been 14 years old. I am sending along a picture of her.
@@313CJBI had to put my baby to sleep one week ago and she has Cushings along with many other health issues. I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t know how to deal with this level of pain and I’m trying to go back to my life but I get hit randomly with waves of intense sadness and tears because I miss my girl so much
I also want to extend my condolences and heartfelt sorrow to the many others whom are and will inevitably have to endure this
I just lost my 13yo baby on Feb 16th. She waited for my oldest son to get here and died in his arms. She was a 6lb shih tzu and she was absolutely beautiful! The day she died she looked exactly the same as when we got her at one year old. I miss her so much.
😢 praying for your comfort. I also had a shih tzu named Bailey. He was 16. Adopted him when he was barely 2 years old. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing imaginable. My heart still hearts over him and some days it feels like it never gets any easier. Having my new shih tzu to love has helped but the grief over my Bailey comes and goes in waves 💔
I wish I found this video a couple of days ago when I was going through the agony of deciding to put my elderly dog to sleep. Now I am sure that I made the best choice and shouldn't feel guilty about it.
This video is balm to my broken soul. I had to say goodbye to my 14 yr old dachshund a few days ago. He went downhill overnight. I saw it coming, but when it happened it was traumatic.
Fellow doxie Mom.I’m sorry it hurt and was traumatic. I pray a year later your heart is less heavy. Sharing your story helped me make that horrible decision and in that I hope it honours your baby. Thankyou
Watching my friend of 19 years decline was the most soul crushing, helpless, living nightmare aspect of life that I've ever experienced. You can see the fear in their eyes and there's nothing you can do.
I’m getting ready to say goodbye, I’m devastated.
Thank you.
Sending love n hugs to you all. Xx
I hope you're well. I had to say goodbye 2 weeks ago. The absence of my little cat is killing me.
This is the most thoughtful, compassionate counseling session I've ever experienced, so much better advice than I've ever been given by my past vets. My old border collie is probably in his last year of life, somewhat managed for pain, but still eager to take walks, play (although he falls over a lot), and chasing the bunnies in our back yard. It hurts to see him stumbling and collapsing, but he seems indifferent to these occasional collapses. Thank you, thank you for such great insight. My boy still loves his life...for now. Thank you for alerting me about trends to watch for. You are an angel. Thank you.
I needed this! I’m saying goodbye to my best friend of the last eight years and I’ve been on denial island the past 3 days. Such a wonderful dog and loved by everyone. Thank you for this video as it spoke to my heart. He will be in heaven this Thursday.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. We love them so much. Can never have long enough with them. And hurt so much saying goodbye but I firmly believe that no matter how much I love my furbies they give me far more than I could ever give them. 💔
@@amyreay5007 Yes. No matter how painful it is for you, the last act of love is to prevent a miserable, prolonged, painful death.
I’m so sorry 🙏
I hope you're ok and you are recovering after your loss? I found your post today. My dog has end stage kidney failure and been in hospital for two days. He was discharged today with medication but he's refusing water and food so can't smuggle meds in his food. He's got oedema and not really walking either. I just don't know if it's too early to say goodbye 💔😔
A little update. He passed away tonight at 6:45pm 18.01.2023 💔😭😭😭
Thank you for this video. Our 17y 2m old lab Vincent left us today. He has had a wonderful life for the most part. Thank you Vincent for the time we shared together, have fun in heaven.
He had a nice long life for a Lab
So helpful to me as I try to make this very, very difficult decision to say goodbye to my Annabelle. Life will never be the same without her.
❤I’m struggling so much right now and heartbroken that my 14yr old pom was diagnosed with cancer & I’m trying to give the best care possible, without prolonging any pain & I want to be humane but also can’t imagine my life without her… this video was so informative and helpful and put me at ease in better knowing what to do for her… Thank you for sharing this. 😭
Today we agreed with our vet to let our dog to sleep, 15 years labrador. He slept quietly in our arms. Before 9 months we lost our german shepard 14 years old at home. He suffered. I believe today that our decision was the right one. Enjoy your friends when you have them.
I’m literally crying, such a good video, can barely type through blurry tear eyes
I just reading the comments and they make me cry I had to say goodbye my loved one 2 Years ago..GALAN (COCKER SPANIEL )
I HUGGED HIM THE WHOLE process AND WAS TELLING TO HIM I LOVE YOU, IM SORRY THANK YOU , ONLY STOP TELLING THAT WHEN HIS HEART STOPPED.
HE NEVER WAS ALONE...
THIS PROCESS WAS AT HOME.
We have used Lap of Love twice for our cats and there is absolutely no other option when it comes to saying goodbye. We are now at the same decision point with our dog and it is just as difficult as the first time. This video was so helpful in helping us process and make the most difficult of decisions. Thank you for the work you do and for helping not only our four-legged babies, but helping us as well.
My brother used their service and told me about it. I used it with both of my elderly best friends last year and it was so much easier than at the sterile vet's office. Done in the comfort of their own home in your loving lap. Well worth the cost.
Thank you for this video. I have a 12 year old German Shepard and she has lost the ability to use her back right leg, tried aquatic treadmill therapy, laser therapy, got a harness to help her get around but it has hit me that she is not living a normal quality of life. I will do anything to keep her around but I feel that it is time to make the decision I don’t want to make but I must for her. This pup was the most amazing soul I have ever been blessed to come into my life.
While volunteering at a local shelter, I loved most of all working with the rowdy, untrained GSDs. They are heart-breakers: so intelligent, so loyal, and giving their all for you. The decision to do the compassionate thing for your girl took tremendous courage and love. Bless you for honoring your girl and letting her go, with compassion and dignity.
U can do surgery. It works
Thank you so much for this informative, beautiful and caring video. I am going this process now for the first time with my wonderful companion of 13 years, Clyde, a 100lb male weimaraner. He was the light of my life and meant the world to me. I went though many phases. And finally I made a decision just a day ago. Now I'm feeling all sorts of emotions washing over me in waves. Most of which is did I choose the right time. I struggle with this constantly and I hope I can resolve it though time. I wish everyone having to experience this my best and surely we share a common bond if you loved your companion as much as I did. Again thank you for this wonderful video. I miss my baby.
I'm sending love n hugs cos although we mourn they're company and love, we did, you did right by your beautiful boy Clyde.
You and I and so many moutprn but will see them again one day, over they're Rainbow. Xx
This is by far the most compassionate and informative video on one of the hardest things you'll ever have to do in your life and I thank you for it. As I comment we are struggling with whether or not it's time to say goodbye to our sweet sweet 16 year old baby pittie. It won't be my first time saying goodbye to one of my babies. But it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking or easy. Thank you Mary for your compassion.
As I move into a career at a senior dog sanctuary, I knew I wanted to learn about this inevitable part of a dog’s journey, as it will now be a part of my life. I am so grateful for the level of detail in this video. Also you gave me the peace of mind that I did the right thing for each of my dogs when the time came, which was always in the back of my mind. The comfort this gave me after years of wondering is indescribable … amazing. Thank you.
I have a 17 years and two months chihuahua x I’ve been taking her for acupuncture once a month since her back legs failed and she’s bounced back but we went a few days ago and there wasn’t a bounce back. She has passed out a couple of times and now I’m having to take her for a pee give her water and hand feed her. Thank you so much xx I bet everybody including me wishes they could come see you! I’m in UK sadly but bless you for making this video which speaks to me. God bless you ❤️
Thank you so much for this video - put my little dog to sleep yesterday and although she was progressively getting more and more ill I thought I may have made the decision too soon. You have shown me that I likely made it at the right time.
Thank you so much. This has helped me immensely. My 76 pound boxer mix has been experiencing mobility issues for several months. We’ve gone to the vet (2) and because he’s limping (2.5 months) and x-rays revealed nothing. His quality of life has deteriorated quickly and my emotional and financial budget is up. I’m going to let him go this week. Thank you.🙏🏽😭
Sorry dear
Awwww, my orange cat, Maui, was just diagnosed with a primary lung tumor too. This video is very helpful. Thank you.
I had to euthanize my rescue dog Samson in April only a week after celebrating his “gotcha day”. He had a reaction to his vaccinations and rapidly declined despite a blood transfusion. It all happened so quickly and I struggled with guilt afterwards because when he was getting the sedative it seemed he got anxious and he backed away like he didn’t want it. Those last moments have been hard for me to relive. I do think I made the best decision though because he was having trouble breathing and I could see he was uncomfortable/ suffering and I promised I would never let him suffer. I just try now to focus on the love and memories we shared for the past 12 years together. I always knew he was my angel. I miss him so much
What a thoughtful, thought-provoking and helpful video. You cave real, concrete ideas and solutions to a very ephemeral issue. Thank you. Just used you guys three weeks ago today to help our Buster cross over. You were beyond kind, gave us the kindest way to help us say goodbye, even on short notice. ‘Thank you’ falls far short
YOU GOT ME REALLY GOT ME WITH “AND DUNCAN’S MOM WAS ME” AND I WAS BAWLING AT THE BUCKET LIST!!!!You see, my Cat, my first Cat, Noodle, came home one day in the morning from playing outside for breakky gave it a miss which he sometimes did, and rubbed his head for about 5 mins against my foot, later that day I found him dead, under a spare bed. No symptoms, no nothing except the love of my life (animal wise) just dead, and I haven’t been able to understand it, he was only 10 and I SO WISH I had thought to do a Bucket List, but I just didn’t know…..I just didn’t know…..
It was really tough for me, but it's cruel to let an animal suffer.
Thank you for sharing your story 💕It’s time for me to say good bye…love the bucket list..this video was helpful! Duncan was lucky to have a mom like you!
Thank you so much Dr. Mary. This really helped this dog dad. We now know it is time to say good bye to our black lab Benny. Thank you for helping us evaluate our budgets and see that Benny and his family are in a good place, even if it doesn't feel so good right at the moment...
Thank you so much! I´m in this complicated process of deciding WHEN. Two months ago, my beautiful black young cat got a deadly liver disease, and the vet told us there was nothing else to do (in matters of treatment). When we received that notice, he was still kind of active, and we could not imagine how an energetic, joyful kitty would need to be euthanized. But some weeks have passed, and as you said, bad days are getting more and more often. We lived on "denial island" because we love him so much, but this is affecting us severely, both emotionally and financially. I made the QOL tests and I know he deserves a peaceful goodbye before his suffering erases all his essence. We are very sad, but the idea of him without pain comforts me more because I love him so much.
I am dealing with this now. It's so hard.
I love you Ginger. First time u made me feel how to be a dad. I will miss you a lot. Thanks for being there for me when i am having bad times. Will never forget u ❤
Thank you for all the tips for the most difficult time of owning a pet. My dog of 14 years died suddenly in hospital. I was not present when she passed. It still haunts me today three years later thinking about how she died wihtout me being present. I still cry when I think of her. She was a beautiful Basenji
A wealth of info, thank you. One that sticks to me is the comparison of photos of now vs then... I begun looking at pictures of my cat who is struggling with malignant lymphoma that has travelled to his intestines, spleen, lungs and heart... And the difference is vast. I feel sad knowing the end is near, yet, watching him suffer is no good. Thank you once again. 💙🙏
Thank you so much for this video I lost my little girl last November due to a freak accident between her and her husky sister my boy Bobby has had bad knees and hips since he was 2 he is 11 now but I have noticed he is sleeping a lot more and cry’s more when he is awake after watching your video I know what I need to do I did ask my vet a few months ago how would I know when it’s time she told me that the fact I’m even asking means it’s getting closer.I don’t want him to suffer so I will start making a bucket list for him.
Thank you, tomorrow I'm sending my friend of 15 yrs home to be back with her mother and father in dog heaven. My wife is taking it hard as well as I am because I'm her original guardian 4 yrs before I met my wife. I retired military and dutchess was my true rock. I am going back and fourth with this now that it's 24 hrs from now that end will arrive. I can't be selfish. Pills and vet visits aren't the answer now. We've been down that road already and it bought her more time. Now her mobility is a problem. She struggles walking and she just sleeps which is normal, but I don't want her to suffer what's next for her pain. So I know it's time to let go.
Bless you for doing the compassionate thing for Dutchess. I've seen how military dogs have been a lifeline for veterans, forming a closer bond that any of us dog lovers have. You went through hell with her, and she was there for you. Thank God she has you to help her find ease and peace.That is what a warrior does for his best friend. Bless you.
Thanks so much for such thoughtful, compassionate talking!!! I love my sweet Moli so much, I want the best for her, I want to let her go with dignity and love. This talk is helping me a lot to start making the decision, I cannot write it down yet, but. my heart is starting to understand Moli deserves a good quality of death as the vgood quality of life she had. I want to her to go to rest in her home, in our arms surrounded by her world. I am making the bucket list, my sweet Moli is 16 years young, she is my longest relationship, she is my daughter with tails. She rescued me when she was 2 months old. We moved together to the US from Argentina ten years ago, she had a lot of amazing adventures!! She is.a blessings to us. We love her so much!!!! Thanks for your kind work, thanks for making me understand beyond my human racionalization of "what is to wait to the right time" . I want my sweet Moli to transcend. 🙏🏼💐💗
Thank you so much for this video. I am crying as I type this... The thought of you saying goodbye to your Duncan brings up all the goodbyes I have had to say over the years. At 50 and as someone who has never been without animals that has added up to a LOT. Of course there have been some that were harder than others. Like with people we have relationships that are extra special. I have come to count the stand outs among my blessings. Like my Rough collie Jock. Officially known as Jock McTavish of Agape Farms my parents bought him when I was a baby. He and I grew up together. But our relationship was extra special ( although my brother would tell you he was his) I was blind until I was 3 and had many surgeries. I learned to walk with my hand on Joc'k's back. We lived in MN and he didnt love water but anytime I went in the lake he went in with me. But when I was 5 we moved to Oregon and the lakes got traded in for the Pacific ocean. Jock liked the beach and climbing the sand dunes with us but was still very watchful of me when it came to the waves. He was my service dog without ever being officially trained. He just naturally did all the things that I needed like guiding me away from danger. I had amazing parents but a reslly hard childhood. He was there to help me through it all.
Like pretty much every dog I have ever met he hated fireworks. My family went camping over the 4th of July weekend and my parents thought he would do better at home where he could be in the house. We couldn't control what other campers did and that was before a lot of things were illegal. We had a great weekend. But, when we got home we learned that our neighbor had confused his reaction to fireworks with pain. She was our vet's receptionist. She td the vet that my mom asked her to ( she didn't) and had Jock euthanized while we were gone. It's been 38 years and I still miss him SO much! I can still hear her saying " I had him put to sleep" as if she was saying the mail was on the table when I asked her where he was. It took me a long time to forgive her. I know she was trying to do the right thing for him. I felt like she treated his life like it didn't matter at the time. We should have been the ones to make that decision and should have been with him. Rosie was supposed to be my husband's birthday present but I was a stay at home mom and she chose me. ( they choose who they choose!) She was a purebred Irish setter and she KNEW she was beautiful! We again had her through some pretty difficult life stuff. I had to have an emergency hysterectomy because I had a basketball sized tumor. She was still pretty young and I was worried that when I came home from the hospital she would jump on me. I'm not sure why because she didn't jump on people any other time but I had an 18in abdominal incision and I just didn't know how to keep her from hurting me when she was used to being with me all the time. ( EVERY animal we have had spayed since then has gotten ALL the pain meds lol) Well, I got home and she sat in the middle of the living room and watched quietly. When everything was calm ( I have 5 kids who at the time we ages 7 through 14) so us getting home was always an event. I was set up in the recliner ( it was a long time before I could lay flat) and she very slowly and carefully inched her way up. When she got near my belly she went onto the arm of the chair then slid down onto my side. (so she didn't come close to it) them she just sniffed it whined and put her head down. She only left my side to go outside or eat for the next several months . She was right there when I got the call with my path report that it was cancer. And she was with me for the next 7 years all the time. Stuck like glue. In fact her last day my husband and I were sitting in bed talking. We had just dripped the kids off at school and Rosie was sleeping between us. Suddenly the bed was soaked and niether of us knew why. Rosie kept sleeping. I realized it was urine in a big puddle around her and woke her up. When she tried to stand her back legs we limp. We weren't too worried figuring her legs would wake up. But it didn't improve and Rosie wasn't acting like herself. She knew me, her eyes found me when I talked to her but other than that she didn't really respond. We had NO money at the time. When we called the vet the decision was made that if she didn't "come back" by 4 we would let her go. I had just been having a sense for a while the time was coming but nothing really indicated it. It was just a feeling. By noon I had realized she had no sensation past her shoulders. My husband went and got the kids from school. We let them have some time just hanging out on our bed with her. We didn't make a point of telling them it was to give them time to say goodbye but they all figured out what was going on. When 3:30 rolled around she still couldn't move, or stand . We were all with her but she looked me in the eyes with those melting chocolate eyes that say I love you. Then she closed her eyes and stopped breathing. It was very calm. We were all there petting her and telling her how much we loved her. The last thing I said to her was I love you. Thank you so much for loving us. Of course I miss my girl.
Tears are flowing.
I have had a guilt this past 2 weeks that I wasn't doing enough for my fur baby Katie Cat. After 12 years and having no health issues, she declined rapidly. Thank you for helping me see that I wasn't just making this choice for me, but to give her the most peaceful transition that I could. I know in my heart, she was ready and had a beautiful last day with us. Always and Forever in my heart.
Thank you Mary. Two years ago, I came here to assess QOL for my loved Coco, my 13.5-year-old chocolate labrador diagnosed with Cushings and diabetes. It was not her time yet, as I did everything I could to take care of her, medicate her and give her quality of life. I made a bucket list then and now, she´s been diagnosed with end-stage-lymphoma and spleen cancer. A part of me wants to hold on and wait for my son to return in 8 days from the university, and my husband from his trip in 7 days, but another part knows it might be too long and too late for her. I am stuck in the dilemma of when I should let her go, this weekend or next weekend. I pray and hope I make the right decision for her and God help me and her vets to help end her suffering.
I'm so sorry for your situation. Can I ask what you decided to do?
I had to say goodbye to my beloved Bailey yesterday. He was more than a dog, he was my companion, my best friend. He had congestive heart failure, diagnosed about a year and a half ago. He was in several meds. I began to notice a few weeks ago him starting to refuse his medications. It was really becoming a challenge. It seemed like his cognition was slipping. One of the meds made him pee a lot. I hadn't had a solid night's sleep since his diagnosis. Lately, he began to wake up at night struggling to breathe. His anxiety was evident. Yesterday, he absolutely refused to take his meds. I had been struggling with when to have him euthanized for weeks. Probably months, if I'm honest. I called his vet and asked to bring him in. I spent the day caring for him, giving him a bath, taking him for a walk. He loves walks but but hadn't gone on any because he was so ill. A car ride, a trip to McDonald's. His actual passing was beautiful but heartbreaking, utterly heartbreaking. 💔 He looked so beautiful.
Your video has helped me tonight. I wished I had seen it sooner. The pain and loss I feel is immense but I am sure it will get better in time.
😥
This breaks my heart to hear. My shih tzu of 14 years passed, and his name was Bailey also 💔😭. Just seeing his name brings back the painful memories. Watching them slowly dying and saying goodbye is the hardest thing imaginable. I'm thankful to have a new shih tzu who is 8 months old and he has helped with the loss, but the pain of losing my Bailey never goes away 😢. Praying for your comfort
Doing it this week for the fourth time n still sucks but it’s our job for the unconditional luv they give you
My sweet cat passed 2 weeks ago from lymphoma. I knew since the middle of April that she had only a few months. Right now I'm struggling with whether I robbed her of time she had left. On her last day she was unable to take but 1 or 2 steps and she didn't have the strength to poop. My mind is a battlefield right now...more so because of grief. I miss her so terribly much.
Your video is wonderful. I just put my 17.5 yo dog to sleep today. I watched this type of videos before and now I’m finding myself still looking for this after. This is the first one that mentions evaluating the toll (physical, financial and emotional) that the pet’s stage may be putting on the owners. Your content truly helps me be at peace with my decision. It was the best for my beloved life companion and now I can say for me and my family too. Thank you!
I've had to make this decision several times. Every time I find myself searching for resources to reassure me that Im doing the right thing. It seems that my pets have always rallied a day or 2 before we say goodbye, and I always feel so guilty.
I cried trough the whole video
Linus has a parathyroid tumor, diagnosed a year ago, and lately he’s been having more bad symptoms and I’ve been asking myself the question for about a week now,especially now that he’s starting to show signs of kidney failure. We have an appointment in two days to check his kidneys and his trachea. I just hope I’m strong enough when it’s time to call it. I’ve had him for 9+ years. Linus is my baby. It’s so hard to make the call
Wondering how your fur baby is doing? Yesterday, we had to say good bye to our beloved 14 years old dog. Stay strong. 🙏
I loved you MIA and will never forget you, miss you so so much. I wish you were still hear with me. Thank you for all the good times we shared.
I have also seen an angel, 3 weeks after Mom passed away in my home. I awoke at about 1 am. I saw a full angel, hovering over me. I sat up and the angel backed up, floated to my husband's side of the bed, and turned, and as it turned, it disappeared. I felt more peace and serenity, than I had felt in my whole life. I just felt at peace, and totally calm. I remembered looking at the clock and wondering how I was going to get up for work, but I closed my eyes and it felt like instantly asleep. When the alarm went off on the morning I hopped out of bed, got ready for work, and calmly told him about the angel. He said, so you think it was Mom? I said, no, but perhaps she sent it to check on us. That feels right.
Thank you for this! I have struggled since I learned my vet told me Bailey has Kidney failure in additional to ongoing heart failure. I decided last week we were done. No more suffering. I did not want him to go into another more serious respiratory distress episode.
I am letting him go on June 21
My sweet girl has Cushing Syndrome and she's had it over 3 years. She is in the last stages and sometimes forgets who I am and yes shows fear and confusion at times. She never forgets my husband who has been a certified vet tech for 42 years and rescued her from a puppy mill. She has always been his girl. He sees her little body, the changes but can't bring himself to admit it's time. I am so not looking forward to the serious talk we need to have.
Probably one of the best videos I've ever seen on this topic. Thank you for going over each thought with accuracy, truth, and heart.
Totally agree. No lecture attitude, no big words, just straightforward and compassionate (for parents and pets alike) advice and good help.
Thank you so much for this video. I appreciate your compassion for the pets, but also for their human parents.
I really really really appreciate everything you talked about in this video. I've been grieving the loss of my 2 beloved rat terriers. I had to put them down one week apart. It's been two years. Even though I think I did everything I could for the two of them I still struggle with guilt and the longing for the two I love and miss them oh so much. Your story, video, and the loss of your beloved and how you covered so much in this video truely was special.
I just lost my fox terrier who also had rat terrier in her today. I’m ripped to shreds. They are such great dogs. I’m completely heartbroken and lost my best friend. She just turned 18 on Christmas day
Know that someone very much understands. I have to put my rat terrier to sleep. He is still very much part of our lives minus the walks. He has spleen cancer with liver lesions.
I have to decide this because a ruptured spleen would not be the way to go. He is my little boy.
We had to make the decision for our 13 year old American Eskimo, Nanuk aka Nookie this week. We are devastated and miss him so much but know his sweet little heart was just tired and we didn’t want him or us to have to see him suffer or struggle to breath at the end. He was my shadow and best friend and he was such a stoic little trooper during the time he had to take 2 heart meds and day and had scary episodes for us and him in between. Thank you for what you do and for these videos! They have been a great comfort to me and a reminder that we gave our sweet boy not only a good life, but also a peaceful transition.😭♥️ And I’m so sorry about your sweet Duncan!💜
Thank you so much for this video! It has helped me with my decision to say goodbye to my 22 year old cat. He was my baby. Your video helped me work through so many questions.
You are an amazing person!
I just had to schedule an appointment for my 8 year old cat Ripley because of a cancer in her cheek. It has been spreading and affecting her nose recently. I knew when she starting to struggle to breath through her nose and had a tongue out of mouth to sleep that I needed to call. It was a hardest phone call I have had to make. I think having to decide a date to never see your loved one again is one of the worst emotional pains I have felt. I have broken down multiple times today just wishing there was a way to save my little cat. I am now counting time I have with her. I know I don't want her to experience suffocation. I know its the right call. Its just hard.
Thank you for the video. You talking about breathing being a big one has helped me think I am making the right call. As well as the roller coaster of good and bad days. Today, while I had to call the appointment, she is having a good day. I am still back and forth in my head about it all, there is some comfort that this is a normal experience roller coaster of good and bad days.
Much love to anyone else out there experiencing the same.
Such a beautiful and compassonate video. My 14 1/2 old Labradoodle had two seizures yesterday and I'm quickly thrust into figuring out next steps. This video really helps to understand this painful process. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sending this message. My very senior dog has run into some substantial heart troubles that required emergency medical intervention, and has caused obvious lasting discomfort and distress that, so far, medication changes have not alleviated. I've been feeling guilty for wanting to do what I know is best, even though she still has some positive quality of life. I like your bucket list idea. Thank you for your support.
I am so glad I found your channel I just lost my beloved pet
This is one of the VERY Best presentations I have ever seen about heart failure, it's management and all of it. I was absolutely fine and engaged until you said the problem was Duncan's mom .... it was like a vortex sprinkler of tears right away. My baby has ALL, and i mean ALL the chf symptoms Duncan had, and most notably the foot dragging which is progressing SO fast. You are an incredible speaker. What a fabulous presentation and thank you for the work that you do. Hospice is a Calling.
I bought my baby an electric bicycle, goggles and basket, and now I ride him around. I never thought I would see the day where an old, sick dog would spin in circles from excitement. He RUNS to the car because it means we drive and then we ride. He absolutely loves it, and we see trails he has never seen, because at his size and age, he could never walk that far. your bucket list really brings it home.
My dog having pain in his legs
Thank you, Lap of Love.. I wish, I would have seen this sooner. My Mindy, a Mini Pinscher, who was a rescue dog when she was about three years old. I had to make that hard choice of putting her down yesterday, 7/31. While I did adopted her with some issues which most dogs have when they are abandoned. Mindy did progress over the 7yrs we spent together. One of those things which she struggled with year after, was Loud noises such as fireworks, which are unvoidable and is common to most dogs. The first couple of years, we would take her to Palm Springs and avoid fireworks altogether, this was helpful, because she couldn't tolerate them. She would not only run and hide, but her actions where those of being terrified. As time went on I would try different ways to help her cope with loud sounds, whenever she heard them, especially when out on a walk, I would comfort her by stopping acknowledging her reaction. which included, saying to her, " it's okay I'm here" among other tactics, which eventually paid off. This last 4th of July went surprisingly better then ever. She did not react like other years, she laid in her bed and was so calm, I couldn't believe it!! (She was ill nor acting any differently.) The fireworks where no longer a threat. This was definitely the best ever!! Mindy had a medical condition, which was diagnosed to late, after many emergencies and misdiagnosis at the end of last year, I had to wait to follow-up with her medical appointment due to the Covid-19 just recently she was diagnosed with Addison's disease, unfortunately, because of prior medication given by the Vet. She end up with ruptured intestine, which then lead to a very difficult operation to repair it, after her surgery and few nights in hospital care, she came home to us with many medications and 24hrs care. I made up my mind to be her caretaker, until she would turn the corner to full recovery. She was a fighter, I know this by the she showed it, prior to the surgery her surgeon had waited 5 hours
for her blood pressure to rise, he called us after waiting with no change in her pressure, he explained her prognosis, and then suggested we come and say our goodbyes.. I hung up the phone, as we prayed and called love ones. About 15 minutes had gone by when the phone rang it was the surgeon once again, saying Mindy's pressure had rised to normal, and want to proceed with the operation, he needed our consent, we said yes!!!
As her chance of recovery was 50/50 I didn't think about what to expect after bringing her home, meaning will she have bad days will she be miserable having to take 6 medication daily and how delicate would she be, more over how would her quality of life be once her recovery happen.. well, after two night one good and one very bad, I had to ask myself is she suffering, and was she in more pain?
In the morning as she was seeking where to lay down, after a rough night I putter in bed with us, which she always preferred to be in her own bed, and she just wasn't a dog to cuddle with. This morning she welcome being near us in bed we all had a good sleep. This was my sign.
Thank you, again..for all this helpful information. I would like to stay in contact for your services.
You did all you could. You are an excellent dog parent.
By far one of the most comprehensive, informative, and HELPFUL videos I've seen. It seems most people focus only on the quality of life of the pet, but no one even asks about the owner/caregiver's quality of life. The video covered that and many more questions/struggles we have been dealing with for months, for our pet AND for us. We are more concrete now in knowing we are doing the right thing by euthanizing our buddy/protector before he gets any worse and showing him one last act of love.
Thanks for this detailed discussion of a stressful decision.
This is everything we are going through right now. What a great informational video. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I've been at a lost as to HOW to make a decision. It's very kind of you to share your story to help others know they are not alone. You've given me lots of food for thought and have set me on the right path.
Thank you so much ! I’m grateful for your detailed and emphatic explanation
I have a 15.5yr old Corgi mix. My cousins have been saying for over a year now I need to put her down. She's been to 45 states, 4 providences of Canada, rode with me on a ferry ⛴️ to Vancouver island, BC, Canada. She has about 1.3 million miles in an 18 wheeler. Very well traveled puppy. I'm on medical leave probably never going back driving due to back injury. She has hip dysplasia & cataracts. Front legs & mind is doing good. Bathroom is a little bit of a problem at home, semi might be a different situation. She's bull headed as ever. Wants her meals ASAP. Loves fast food, riding in the semi 🚛, pickup not much. I tell her she's a farm doggie not a trucker doggie anymore. She's spoiled rotten eating farm fresh eggs in the morning with sausage, normal hamburger or chicken for dinner. Took her off dry food & her cancer is slowly shrinking. Basically keto for her
Thank you for your words and support!!
This was the best video about when to say good-by that I have watched. We can now make a decision that supports sweet Ange. Thank you!!
I lost my 12 yr old beagle/cavalier mix this past Saturday to congestive heart failure. I felt a lot of guilt for having to make that decision, I wanted her to go on her own so it’s been tough for me. I miss her terribly and wish she could’ve had a better end.
Thank you so much, you really did a wonderfull job analyzing every little detail you were very helpfull specially when you mentioned lack of breathing, denial island, good and bad days, coins on jars. Thank you so much for remind me that labradors are always happy , even when they have pain.... and thank you again for making me think about that they need a peace that only us can give to them
This is very useful and delivered with great compassion. Thank you.
Great video! This has been insightful and very helpful on an inevitability difficult and traumatic decision-making process i wish never needed to be made! Really helps, so a huge thank you 🙏 ❤️
I deeply appreciate this helpful video. Thank you.
You are amazing! I am so thankful to be able to watch this video! Thank you for caring so much ♥️ ❤️ 💜
Thank you for this compassionate helpful video. It really helped me come to terms with my decision.
This has helped me so much. Thank you so very much for posting..
I needed this so badly. Thankyou so much, for explaining it so easily . I feel much better now.
Thank you, Dr. Mary!! This was beautiful and thank you for sharing! I am currently in the subjective period with my tough-as-nails but sweet as pie chiweenie. I am blessed that my girl has a primary vet (45 years), a second primary vet (geriatrics is his thing), the neuro dept at OSU and recently brought her first neuro resident back on board. I am here because while i had downloaded the quality of life questionnaire 3 nearly 4 years ago, we're now truly there. I am grateful for first-hand stories from her primary vets and i seriously lost it when you said you were Duncan's mom. 💔 Sending hugs and love your way (and to all the Lap of Love folk!)
Thank you, this really helped me be able to look at our situation a little more objectively rather than emotionally and with that I know what to do now.
This video really helped me. Thank you so much. I have a 15 year old yorkie and I'm struggling.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I feel so comforted that I have better insight now to make the right decision at the right time for my senior pups.
I used lap of love today ,thank you thank God for you , Brandy my lab passed with full compassion and embraced love .
This was so very helpful.
Thank you 🐾🐾
Thank you for your video it was very informative, and covered a lot of ground.i have two small dogs,and they have been with me for about 14 yrs.I can tell that you too are a compassionate dog person.thanks,God Bless
Thank you so much for this video. It is painful at any stage, and in my case a long grieving period followed. It would be nice to cover this post period. So many jump and get another pet hoping to heal faster. And the new pet's presence will not heal you, so I've seen alot of these fill in pets become neglected or abandoned. My personal physician helped me be sure when I felt ready to get a new pet.
Hope this made sense.
This video helped me be more at peace for this final decision and the next few days before it happens hopefully. Thank you.
Wonderful informative information for when you’re going through the late stages of your dogs life.
I made the gut wrenching decision to my sweet Westie girl of 16 years and 2 months down just 2 days ago. She was She’s been my side kick for all 16 of those happy yrs. She hasn’t left my side as well the last 2 yrs while I was going through a devastating divorce after a whopping 30 years together. with my best friend As well as just the past 2 yrs while going through a heart wrenching divorce after 30 years of marriage just 2 yrs ago. Just months before covid first hit our country.
I’ now not only have my husband & best friend. But now my best girl Bella too.
🐾 💔🐾
This video gave me the reassurance and strength tht I did the right thing for my beloved pet.
I can breath a little easier tonight knowing that from an animal professional.
So thank you 🙏
Thank you this has helped me so much after saying goodbye to my girl xx
This was the best video ever. I am struggling with putting down my 12 to tuxedo kitty who has cancer in his paw. This video gave me so much clarity. Thank you doctor. ❤
Thank you for this informative and thoughtful video.
Thank you, I needed this NOW
Thank you so very much!!! Our family really needed this. You are a saint.
Thank you!! I feel less alone now
Wow! Ive watched so many videos and by super far this video is the best ever in the world! You are so intelligent. Im on denial island. My dog and family are struggling for so long.
This was very helpful. Thank you for it.
This video really helped me. We made the decision to say goodbye to our beautiful lab mix yesterday. We found out about 2 weeks ago and he declined quickly. You helped me feel more comfortable with our decision that it was time to say goodbye
Thank you 🙏🏻 💔
Dear Dr. Mary... Thank you soooo much for this video. My beloved Beagle just crossed over 2 days ago, and I'm so grateful (sobbing with gratitude) that I've done most of the things right, and was able to let her go when she still had dignity. She didn't like to be fussed over, or treated differently from her two brothers who'd been with her her entire life, wanting to keep up with the boys. She started losing appetite gradually since 6 months ago when I was told to change her food to renal food, which she detested, but was still willing to be fed, sometimes chased around the garden and tempted with treats. Then she just stopped wanting to eat the commercial renal food. So we changed her diet to freshly cooked food, with good protein which she enjoyed so much more but only for about a week or so before her appetite and desire to eat waned again, possibly affected by the discomfort of eating and vomiting the food a few hours later. Her health, mobility and quality of life decreased steadily, and in the past 2-3 weeks very rapidly. She couldn't or wouldn't want to eat at all anymore, even though she appeared to have wanted to, like just eating the chicken and no veggies at all, or eating her favorite treat and nothing else, but too stopped to work very quickly. She hated to have medicines forced down her throat, she'd just turned her head away and walked off to a corner, and her eyes got sadder and sadder. Now looking at her last pictures I saw that even from 1.5 months ago her quality of life had declined even though she still tried to keep up with the boys, and did what she loved best: roaming the ravines near our house for hours until she's had enough. She was very independent and proud that she never made a mess, and would always go to the grass to relieve herself, to vomit or to pass stools even though she hadn't eaten anything and only drank occasionally, even as it was getting harder and harder, slower and slower for her to climb the 3 stairs to the garden. And on her last day, after she was sedated, she immediately needed to vomit and on very wobbly legs, walked down the stairs, and almost fell due to the effect of the sedation, she vomited for the last time and went under the bush to rest. She still fought to stay erect until the vet helped with the anesthesia, for fear it got too late. I'm happy that she's free now and didn't wait till she was incapacitated and had to be assisted just to live. She would have hated to lose her dignity. The only thing, if I had come across your video sooner, I would probably have let her go much sooner, when the bad days started to happen more often than good days, rather than wait till it's just mostly bad days for the last 2-3 weeks of her life. Would have used the calendar to track her progress, and focus more on what she needed rather my need to prolong her stay with us. It's more me not being able to imagine not having her in our life, and being in the denial island, and got hopeful whenever she had a good day, and believing she was recovering and perhaps with love and care we could fought it together and miracle could happen no matter far gone her kidney has gotten ...... Thanks so much for this long and comprehensive video. It's going to help me to care for the other two beagles better, which are all seem very healthy in all ways that matter, but start to show some signs of aging at 7.5 y.o. I hope more people watch this video and have more peace and love in their heart when preparing for their dog's passing. Lastly, I'm glad to have her death assisted rather than having her passed when I wasn't there. It would break my heart not being able to say good bye. This way, I was able to spend the whole day just being with her, telling her how much she'd always be loved and loving her... Peace and blessings...