Spike88
New Glasgow,Nova Scotia Canada
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Joined: 04/04/2004
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obviously you love this dog very much or you would not even be posting this question. I guess if you feel that Winston would enjoy spending time (even if its only a day) with you on the triop than do it and make sure you know where to take him to in that area if you need to. If Winston has spirit and no pain than I would say wait until its time but if you feel its time now than do not feel guilty about it. It is gonna hurt your heart no matter when you do it.
I had a 6 yr old cat Junior that was diagnosed with a mass in his abdomen in March 08 and in April 08 I had him euthanized even though the vet said he was not in any pain. I knew he had lost weight and didnt want to do anything. He looked fine to anyone that saw him as he was a big cat and looked healthy but it was all from his sickness. I did not feel guilty when we went away in May as I knew I was going to have to do it shortly anyway.
I guess what I am trying to say is do what you think is best for Winston and whatever that is will be the right decision for you and him.
Take care and no matter how much one prepares for this time it is never easy.
Winston knows you love him
Margie UPS~44
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david_42
Oregon
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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From what you've posted, I think Winston is at risk of a very painful death if something else happens, whether or not you at home. If he started hemorrhaging internally, it would kill him slowly. I've had several dogs that I could have kept alive a little longer, but there was no joy in their lives and every day was a struggle. It's time to let go. It's the most loving thing you can do now.
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M GO BLUE
Southgate, MI
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Joined: 01/29/2001
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A decision only you and the husband can make...if both of you agree on what course of action to take is the best way...
ERIC & BEV
2005 Chevy Silverado 3500 dually CC/LB Duramax/Allison
2008 Jayco Designer 35RLTS fith wheel
Onan 5500W Marquis Gold gas generator
KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR OUR SPRING 2010 RALLY!
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CatandJim
Tulsa, as in Oklahoma
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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This is the most difficult decision we, as pet owners, make. It sounds like you are carefully weighing your options and have given this much thought. I always try to look closely at quality of life and come to terms with the facts when quantity of life exceeds quality. Even when my own heart wants more quantity... I have to be honest about their quality. It is SO hard!
Whatever you decide, whenever it is time, however you come to the decision... my thoughts are with you during this heart wrenching process.
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Our toys:
Sunline Travel Trailer
ProCraft Fish & Ski
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, trust in those Who cherish you.
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lasparrot
Russell, just outside Ottawa, Canada's Capital
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Joined: 11/08/2006
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Rarely an easy decision. Since you would be taking him on a long trip perhaps you can ask yourself a few questions: Is he a good traveller? How is he now if you take him for a ride in your truck? Can you take him out for a longish drive now to evaluate how he does? Is he happy to be going for a ride? Does he seem comfortable while you are driving? Is he comfortable in your trailer? Does he know where he is or does he seem confused?
When the time is right it is the last kindness that we can show them...
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chuckster11
Idaho
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Joined: 04/30/2004
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Bless you. This is the most difficult decision a loving pet owner can face and there are no universal answers. In my experience, you need to watch your dog carefully, he will signal to you when the quality of his life is beyond tolerance.
The balance between doing the right thing for the pet you love so much and causing unnecessary suffering is on a fine, fine line.
The best advice I can give you is to work closely with your vet and trust your intimate knowledge of your dog--let him make the decision. If he is eating and enthusiastic, despite his illness, hang in. Put up with the inconvenience of assisting him in and out of the RV (we did this for two years with our beloved Tootsie). Make his company on this trip a shared joy for all of you--you won't regret it.
Dogs are wonderful creatures, their drive to live is astounding but they do reach a point where they need your final stroke and they will let you know when it is time. My thoughts are with you.
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kokosfriend
Nashville, TN
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Joined: 09/06/2004
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When traveling with and ill pet, I got the book for animal emergency clinics in the nations. I also would look up vets in the main cities I would be traveling through so that I had phone numbers and locations. That way I felt I could get help in a reasonable amount of time for the pet. Most vets, if they have to put down your pet while you are on the road, will cremate and mail the cremains to you. Never had to do it on the road, but made one very long trip home to get Koko to her regular vet. She however, choose to pass away at home in the closet while she slept. I hope this helps if you decide to take Winston with you. I used the American Veterinary Association web site to locate vets.
Barb
kokosfriend
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c.heifner
Mancos CO
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Joined: 01/30/2005
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I am so touched by so many of you out there offering so much advice and support. It is amazing that you, as total strangers have reached out in such a caring way to help me get through one of life's toughest decisions. After reading each of your messages several times I called my Vet for an appt. to discuss the situation. She knows his history so well and what might lie ahead for Winston. I think that will help us make a rational decision. So DH and I will see her tomorrow morning and I will post here where we are on this after that. All our other dogs have been very ill at the time we had them put to sleep so it was a
no brainer. That's what makes this tough. As one of you said it is a fine line for sure and David-42, you are right on, we could be in dire straits if he should hemorrhage.
Carol & Jerry
2004 Dodge 3500 4x4 AT
2004 Everest 323K
Winston, the black cocker wannabe
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Quick trip
Cerritos, Ca.
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Joined: 12/23/2005
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We had to put our little female pug down a little over 2 weeks ago.
She never made a sound, but you could tell her back legs would not hold her up.
Then the next day it was her front legs giving out.
At one point during the day all legs went out and she could not get up.
But, if I left the room, she managed to somehow get to where I was!
We took her to the vet and she had "hip displacia" real bad at her rear legs and it was bone to bone.
The front legs were almost as bad. Her eyes were real sad as we knew what had to be done.
We loved her a lot and didn't want her to suffer any more.
Good Luck in your decision.
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Crowe
Billerica, MA USA
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Joined: 01/29/2002
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Carol, I've PM'd you.
And to those who may think otherwise, it's not a question of convenience to the OP but of guidance from those who have been there.
Life is too short to spend it all in one place!
2004 Gulfstream Endura
2010 Subaru Outback soon-to-be toad
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