Oh, Linda, that's such a difficult decision to make. It's going to be a tough week for you. I guess this brings a new meaning to tough love. You are doing what's best for Mojo, because you love him so, but that doesn't make it any easier. I'll be thinking of you.

Sally

(((hugs)))

Aw, thinking of you. It is indeed a hard choice. I'm sure you're doing the best thing for Mojo.

Been there. It's so hard......... hugs to you.

Linda, you know I've been right there too, and it's very hard. I keep reminding myself that it is our responsibility as pet owners to do what's best for our animals, not what's easiest for us.

Elery just had to make that decision with Pancho a few weeks ago too, and it's never easy. The vet very gently told him that Pancho was never going to get younger and he was never going to get better, that waiting would only put off the inevitable and prolong his suffering. Sigh.

Before the WonderWeiner I had an old dachshund named Tammy. Tammy had Cushing's disease and did well with medication for several years. Then she started getting worse, I carried her up and down the steps and the girls fed her with a spoon. She died a horrible and painful death on my lap on Christmas Eve when there was not a vet to be found and I swore then that I'd never wait too long again. As much as I loved the WonderWeiner, I loved him too much to make him suffer so that my life would be easier, and so I made that appointment, took his last day off work, spent it with him and he died in my arms. And I still cry, although I know it was the right thing.

Annie

Linda, I don't wish this heartache on anyone.

Like many, I know how difficult this decision is to make. We had to make it for Stetson. He died with his head on my lap. I know it was the right time, but it didn't make it any easier. It has been four years and I am still not ready to have another dog. I'm not sure I will ever be ready. Just don't want to go through that again.

Hugs to you.

Ann

Thanks for the support. Tim and I both know it is what has to be done, but just the thought of "setting a date" for his last day on this earth is upsetting.

I am so glad that the vet will do it at our home so he will at least be in familiar surroundings and not a sterile exam room in a clinic.

Guess all I can do is love him up and give him anything he wants these next days.... When he was able to jump into the back of the Rav, Tim used to take him thru the drive thru at McDonalds for a vanilla cone. Can't do the drive thru, but I can make him an ice cream cone at home!

Linda

I'm thinking of you, Linda. I've had to do it many times - it doesn't get easier. I keep reminding myself of the lack of quality of life, but still beat myself on the head. I'm so glad Mojo will be able to be at home & you will be too.
Hugs to all three of you.

Linda, if it's any consolation...I don't think you should feel guilty. DH took our our big ol' Puppy to the vet thinking he had doggy indigestion. He had a tumor the size of a cantaloupe and there was DH, having to deal with making the decision whether or not to prolong his misery for a couple of weeks with steroids, or let him go. If we would have known I would have gone with him, but we had to decide over the phone. We would have been glad to have time to prepare.

Linda, just the thought of what you are going through has me in tears. I know you love Mojo, just as I love my Roxie.
Pets add so much to our lives and teach us so much.

Bless you and Tim for being such good doggie parents.

Nancy

When I got home from work last night he came up to greet me, sniffed me up, and let me pet him. I started thinking maybe the decision was premature.

Then last night he cried again until Tim went and slept on the couch next to him. Tonight will be my turn.

Wouldn't eat again this morning, would not go off the porch when I let him out. He doesn't like to be hugged anymore, he pulls away if you wrap your arms around him. He'll let me rub his head and his back, but even tires of that fairly quickly.

So this kind of confirms that it is time to end his suffering.

As painful as this is, the years of joy he gave us more than make up for the heartache we are dealing with now.
I will definitely get another dog....in time. Need to get over this one first.

Thanks again for all the support and helpful advice.

Linda

Linda, it's the right thing, of course, but it doesn't make it easier.

Like Ann T, I never wanted another dog. Then I "inherited" Cooper. Cooper is a good dog and a smart boy and he loves Elery and has become more his dog than mine. Tthey both miss Pancho horribly, so they just kind of hang together and it's good for both of them.

I'm thinking of you.

Annie

My heart really goes out to you Linda. I thought I'd never get another cat after my Keegan died. I love him so much! He was so so special. But I couldn't bear the thought of no fur, no cuddler, no purring, and I had to have another cat. It was way too lonely without him. I never expect Miss Maggie Moo to replace him. She doesn't, she's her own cat. But I am glad I didn't wait. So don't kick yourself if you don't wait. You're only human. And if you don't get another dog or wait a long time, that's ok too. Just do what feels right for you. Mojo will understand no matter what you choose.

(((Linda)))

Dear Linda,
I just wanted to add my sympathies. It is so, so hard to say goodbye to our wonderful animals. But it is always worth it to have had their love and company.

It's true you won't ever have another pet just like Mojo. But another deserving, loving animal is in need of the good home and love you have to give, so I hope that you will be able to adopt another pet soon. It does help, in my experience.

Mojo was very lucky to have lived with you. You gave him a very good life. May he rest in peace.

Linda, just want to let you know I'm thinking of you & Mojo (I love that name). BTDT, it's hard.

/tricia

Linda, you have my deepest sympathy. It's really hard. I've had so many animals over the years that I had to say goodbye to, dogs and cats. You made this choice on Mojo's behalf, out of love and caring. It really is one of the best gifts we can give our beloved animals. To end their suffering. Hard not to second guess yourself at times, especially when you have a week to think and consider. But, as you saw, you are making the right choice. He'll be free. He had all those years of a quality life, and you're honoring your responsibility. I know you know all of this, I just feel for you and know how hard it is not to argue with yourself and feel bad even when it's right. You're a good Dog Mother. I'll keep you two in my thoughts this coming week. Ice cream sounds good.

Linda, I am so sorry you've had to make this decision. I'm sure Mojo knows you love him and only want the best for him. Love him all the more these last days and remember all the good times. It's a hard decision and my heart is with you.

I cried when I read your post as I just recently had to make the same decision with my cat of 18-/12 years. He was relatively healthy to the end but had a very sudden decline. I've been fortunate to have animals live a long time and still have one more left. My almost 21 year old cockatiel is left to rule the roost.

Just a year ago I had to make that decision for my sweet Chabby....it still hurts...but the sassy Latte has made me feel better and have a sweet doggie to love again.
I'm sorry....but don't be afraid to allow another furry creature into that hole in your heart.
You asked no more of Mojo than to provide you with pleasure....and that he has done....well done good and faithful servant.
Linda C

Sending another hug.

Could you post a photo of Mojo?

Linda, Sorry I overlooked your pet situation until now.

It's tough; if only our furbabies could talk--or maybe that would make it harder. It's been 15 years since we had to make that same decision for our beloved Chowder Mae (blonde Chow) and we still talk about her as if she was a beloved family member--oh wait, she was.

So, no it doesn't get easier. But you have a boat load of CF friends who can relate and understand just how difficult this is for you and Tim.

((((Cathy))))

Linda, I'm so sorry you have to make this very painful choice. I can't add anything that others have not said but want you to know I'm sending more thoughts of love and peace to Mojo, you and Tim.

Lee

Linda I am so, so sorry to read this. Similar to our poor Cleo last September, I waffled for several days, but knew it was time as the weekend ended. It is lovely you can have a vet come to your house. Lots of hugs and peace to you and Tim.

Janet

Sending you hugs, it's just awful. So sad, but such a kind and loving thing to do.

Oh Linda. I'm sending you hugs.

Linda, I just now saw this. (((HUGS))) from me too. I had to do this last year and know what a hard thing it is. He had a good life with you and is at peace now; I hope you can find some peace too.

Thanks for all the support. He is still with us, the appointment is for this coming Thursday evening.

Tim and I both have Thursday off so we'll spend the day with him. I am going to make him an ice cream cone, his favorite treat.

I will post a photo of him later, I am at work now.

It will be the hardest thing ever, but I am hoping/assumimg that the vet will have a discussion with us and offer some insight before administering the injection. If it is not the right time, we can cancel/postpone and pay her for her time.

(Deep breath) One day at a time.

Linda

Linda, I can't add anything that hasn't already been said but just know that my thoughts are with you. Aside from losing my mom having my Duke pass away in October was the worst thing I've ever gone through. I will miss that dog until the day I die so I know the pain in your heart. Bless you for your kind heart and in time you will heal.

Duane

Linda, I don't come on conversations very often so I didn't know you were going through such a awful situation. Please except my sympathy. We had to do the same thing to our 14 year old cat last year and it was the worst thing I've done. It is the right decison but it's still so hard.

My thoughts will be with you.

Karen

Thinking of you, Tim and Mojo. Glad you'll be home all day tomorrow to dole out ice cream cone[s] and much love.

Holding you close in my heart.

jude

I've been thinking about all of you every day, and like Jude, keeping you close in my heart.

Lee

(((((Linda))))) I couldn't even read this thread past your initial post -- and couldn't even finish that for being too teary-eyed. Just know my heart breaks for you, you're doing the right thing even though it's one of the most difficult things in the world to do/decide, and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sooz

All my thoughts have been of you this week. Today, most of all. I'm holding y'all real tight. Hugs to you.

I hope you and Tim had a good day with Mojo. Lots of doggie kisses would be nice.