chloe92us
Well-known member
I have a 14 YO jack russel terrier mix, who until this week has acted like a much younger dog than her years. She is a typical terrier- yappy, hyper, and defensive of her people. I love her dearly, despite her character flaws and she is a real pleasure, sweet and obedient.
On Saturday night, she screamed in pain and ran into her crate limping and she has only come out to use the bathroom (when I force her) and goes right back in ever since. She's not even barking anymore! Not even when the doorbell rings! I just know she is in pain. She is still eating and drinking, but only in her bed when I bring it to her.
She has a huge "growth" on the base of her tail that, I believe, is now pressing on her spine and causing her pain. I have not taken her to the vet yet, as I'm not sure there's much they can do at this point.
So, my question is; how do you know when "it's time"? With my other pets that I've had to pts it was very black & white. My sheltie became completely paralyzed overnight and could not even stand up to use the bathroom. A cat was mauled by a dog and had to be put down due to serious internal injuries. My poodle, Chloe, had a heart attack in my arms and died. I've never had an animal live 14 years, and feel I am going to have to make this decision soon. My husband keeps saying, "she's going to bounce right back, just like she always does" but eventually she won't!
She's had an abundance of health issues, and just 6 mos ago had to have one of her tumors removed as it erupted, she has seizures, a sensitive stomach, and recently has been throwing up bile occassionally. She's also very sensitive- if you touch her the wrong way, she cries and runs into her bed for a while.
I guess I should be having this conversation with my vet, but I'm just looking for some advice from those of you who have old dogs.
On Saturday night, she screamed in pain and ran into her crate limping and she has only come out to use the bathroom (when I force her) and goes right back in ever since. She's not even barking anymore! Not even when the doorbell rings! I just know she is in pain. She is still eating and drinking, but only in her bed when I bring it to her.
She has a huge "growth" on the base of her tail that, I believe, is now pressing on her spine and causing her pain. I have not taken her to the vet yet, as I'm not sure there's much they can do at this point.
So, my question is; how do you know when "it's time"? With my other pets that I've had to pts it was very black & white. My sheltie became completely paralyzed overnight and could not even stand up to use the bathroom. A cat was mauled by a dog and had to be put down due to serious internal injuries. My poodle, Chloe, had a heart attack in my arms and died. I've never had an animal live 14 years, and feel I am going to have to make this decision soon. My husband keeps saying, "she's going to bounce right back, just like she always does" but eventually she won't!
She's had an abundance of health issues, and just 6 mos ago had to have one of her tumors removed as it erupted, she has seizures, a sensitive stomach, and recently has been throwing up bile occassionally. She's also very sensitive- if you touch her the wrong way, she cries and runs into her bed for a while.
I guess I should be having this conversation with my vet, but I'm just looking for some advice from those of you who have old dogs.