How Do You Know When It Is "Time"?
Wednesday August 6, 2003
LAFUTURA2 asks: "I have a dog who is roughly 13 - he was originally found as a stray so his true age is unknown. I have had him for almost 5 years now. I keep feeling it is not time to say goodbye to him as just because it's wearing me out doesn't mean it's time for him yet, but how do any of you get through something like this? How do you spend the last amount of time with your pet in happiness as opposed to sadness and frustration? How do you know when it is time for them to go? Any advice is greatly appreciated!"
Comments
Dear Lafutura2-
I can’t believe no one has responded to you since August! Do you still have your dog?
I’m no expert, but I have had a number of dogs and have thought alot about this question of how to approach their last days. What works for me is to think of it as part of the contract we make with them when we assume their care — at some point, their path takes a difference direction from ours and all we can do is walk with them as far as we can. Your dog isn’t fearing death, just we humans do that. Just go with him and, when you sense the time coming, do something special with him. It will be a nice memory for you later.
As far as when it’s “time,” that’s never easy. I guess when they start having more bad days than good ones…
Trust me, I really know how hard this is, but it’s a testimony to your love for your pet that you want to do right by him all the way.
Take care, Margie