When do you know it's the right time to put your dog down?

**Trundle** · 09-12-2014, 08:00

Cloe, our Lab bitch is old, she's really old.

This past week I have been having to help her up as she can't get up off the office our the lounge (tiled) floors.
She's a gun dog and has spent her life outdoors, she has had her fair bit of retrieves, not that she ever really worked in the retrieving sense.

If she see's a rifle she does her nut, fire an air-rifle or anything larger and she's off, never could get her to hold.

It's so sad to see, she can't eat kibble anymore, so we cook-up bones, give her eggs, milk, sauce / gravy anything to get nourishment into her.

This past Saturday, I shot a mynah in our orchard, even though she's deaf, she saw me take the shot and to watch her struggle down the orchard to retrieve was heart wrenching.

So, yeah, just typing this out, I think I have answered my own question.

But it's still kak!

**driepootx** · 09-12-2014, 08:05

Strongs my friend. That is not an easy decision and taking her to the vet will be very hard. Better look for a replacement to fill the void.

**wesleyss** · 09-12-2014, 08:07

Be brave, never an easy decision, but once done it will be better for her. Not eating, old age and struggling to move about is clear signs it is time.

**wombat57** · 09-12-2014, 08:08

Sorry. I know the pain all to well. You may have answered your own question but that doesn't make it any easier. The only solace you may have is knowing that she won't be in pain or suffering. Not that it helps much.

**Mr_Medic** · 09-12-2014, 08:11

This is never a decision a man enjoys making. Strongs boet.

**Defender** · 09-12-2014, 08:16

I'm so sorry. The same decision is waiting for me in the near future. I share your pain

**Maroelas** · 09-12-2014, 08:20

Strongs man! Never an easy decision! Remember the good times!

**Lian** · 09-12-2014, 08:26

imho, you need to take your own feelings out of the matter and decide when the dog is starting to live in pain.
otherwise, it gets to you dont want to let the dog go, and he/she lives in more pain every day further :-/

**Kayback** · 09-12-2014, 08:28

Yup. As you said typing it out answered your question. When life becomes a struggle. Don't be selfish and hold on to her for as long as you can.

KBK

**DRD** · 09-12-2014, 08:30

It's a very tough decision, but she does not deserve to suffer. Braai her a nice big steak, and do what's right.

And concentrate on thinking about the good times she's given you.

Sterkte !