I need some impartial advice, re a poorly dog.

[fha772]

Hello all,

Over the last week, our dog's back legs have given up, he's a big dog (Dogue de Bodeux), and he's getting on (10 1/2 years old).
We've took him to the vets, and they've given us 3 options:
1) an operation, this will cost £4k, and it's 50/50 that he'll survive, and 50/50 that it'll work.

2) buy a dog wheelchair, this means putting him in it several times a day, for about 30 minutes every time, so he can walk round my sisters yard. Then taking him out of it and leaving him on the floor until next time.

3) put him to sleep.

The way I'm thinking at the minute,
1) the operation is a lot if money for no guarantees it will work.

2) the wheelchair seems to be more for our benefit than the dog's, he's still going to spend most of his day unable to move around, and if he needs to go to the toilet, he's just going to sit there in it until 1 of us go to him, which at this time of year could be a few hours.

3) This seems the better option, I don't want to do it, I love my dog, but I think he's miserable the way he is, and is only going to get worse.

What are your opinions on this?

I really need to hear from somebody who isn't close to the dog.

Cheers Frank.

[Relentless Rob]

I've let you know what I would do on FaceBook mate.

[owelly]

You already know the answer Frank.

[fha772]

I know I do, it doesn't stop me feeling like the biggest twat in the world though.
I'm taking him to the vet in the next hour...

[mjslonergan]

It may sound odd, but you will feel much better on the return trip from the vet having had him put to sleep, because he is no longer in pain, than some of the trips home with the poor dog still suffering, had to make the decision myself a few years back, my advice would be to watch the procedure if you can, as he relaxes off to sleep, and is no longer in pain, you can see it is the right thing to do... gone, but not forgotten though

[fha772]

Mutley 20/10/2001-01/06/2012, my best mate...

[mjslonergan]

Looks like he was quite the character.

[fha772]

Looks like he was quite the character.

He was a real character...

He was loyal, calm, great with the kids, nothing ever phased him, he would never give up, and he loved a curry...

...he was just 1 of the lads really.

That was his problem at the end, he was dragging himself round on the concrete, because he wouldn't give up, and rest, he was ripping his legs to bits, trying to still get about.
I couldn't bare him being like that, he wasn't in any pain, but you could see how frustrated he was about not being able to stand.

It was the best thing to do, he was only going to get worse, better he went now, while he was still ok, rather than prolong his suffering.

[Relentless Rob]

Sorry mate.

[mjslonergan]

better he went now, while he was still ok, rather than prolong his suffering.

And that's the truth, however hard the decision...

[OilyFingers]

Don't dwell too much on the loss, mate. You had nearly 11 years with a best friend before that. Barking at butterflies, chasing shadows, the look on the postmans face when his ears prick up from behind a Jag, bootlaces down your good trousers 10 minutes before you go out, constantly being on the wrong side of the door, doing the 'I'm not looking at you eating your dinner because I want the last mouthful' look, flooring a small child because he doesn't know his own size, following you to the door because he wants to go with you then charging round the house at 600 miles an hour when you get home.

[TeamTotalWankel]

Really sorry to hear this mate
I had to take our Barney for his last walk about 18 months ago. He was 14 and he'd had a great life. Previous to that we lost Tigger our brindle greyhound-X. It was about 2 weeks before I could even talk to anyone about losing him. Then it suddenly clicked - everytime I felt sad I just remembered a great time we'd had together or just something daft he'd done ie. trying to drag a 3ft high traffic cone the length of Filey beach or nicking a box of powdered Turkish delight, making him look like he'd been snorting coke!!
You did for him what any good mate would do. Just remember the good times.

[fha772]

Thanks, I'm ok, I know it was the right choice for him.

We've had a chuckle, talking about the things he used to do, and looking at pictures.

But, it hasn't stopped me blubbing like a pre pubescent girl when Take That split up, every once in a while, when I've had an odd moment on my own thinking about him.

It's only been 2 days, I'm sure I'll cope

[TeamTotalWankel]

Keep yer chin up mate