I have a 15 1/2 year sheltie. He is my baby. A few people have advised me to h

1. 53

   Air Force Momposted 14 years ago

   I have a 15 1/2 year sheltie.  He is my baby.  A few people have advised me to have him put to...
   
   sleep. (Not my Vet).  He is totally blind and deaf. Eats very little.  Has touble passing his bowels, but will still urinate.  Has had a few accidents in the house.  He sleeps all the time.  He will sometimes wander into the kitchen to see if there are food crumbs.  We do carry him outside to have him do his business.  But he sometimes will stand and then just fall.  Has trouble with his hips. What should I do?

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2. 88

   SimeyCposted 14 years ago

   We had a similar dilemma last year - similar symptoms. We talked to our vet, and she advised us that our dog was suffering due to joint pain etc - it came down to quality of life for us - yes we miss him a whole lot, but I couldn't make him suffer one more day - it was one of the saddest days of my life, but at least he is up in doggy heaven chasing balls!
   
   What I did was to think about how I would feel if I was my dog? Would my life be full or would I simply be existing - our dog could have survived three to six years more - but his life would have consisted of sitting down, in pain and then being carried to the back yard....
   
   The choice isn't easy..but ask your vet!

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3. 83

   Whitney05posted 14 years ago

   Doesn't sound like he has the quality of life that a dog likes and hsould have. Ultimately it is your decision. If he can't really stand, can't see or hear, barely eats, etc; sounds like the dog is miserable.

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4. 59

   dabeanerposted 14 years ago

   Obviously, you are more concerned with your feelings than with the dog's.  Put him down.

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5. 80

   pippapposted 14 years ago

   Sounds like the end of his life is near.  Have a heart-to-heart talk with your vet - he is the best judge of the amount of pain (if any) that your dog is suffering.  Next, look at the quality of life your dog is experiencing.  If life appears to have become a burden to him, then the time has come.
   
   Try to put your emotions for him on hold for a moment so you can make an impartial assessment of his situation. 
   
   I know how hard it is to lose a much-loved companion; but, their needs must come before ours.  Good luck!

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