Quality of Life

[Shaz]

Hello!

I came across this Site

http://www.pet-loss.net/quality.shtml

and note that 2 of issues covered, being Mobility and Incontinence would label my handicapped Dog as having no quality of life. I am rather upset that the Author has made me doubt what I do for my Dog. I thought we were doing so well.

Does anyone have a view on this taking into account the wealth of experience you all have?

I wish you all a good weekend.
Sharon x

[jazzybaby]

Sharon, I too read the site that you posted the link to and I was also rather upset by what the author stated. I use to work in a vet hospital and we would always tell clients that they are the only ones that know when it is time to let a beloved go. I feel that our pets have a way of telling us or letting us know when it is time, I also think that they hold till they we are ready to let them go. Our doctors would talk with the pets owner and she would let them know her feelings on their pets quality of life or if they were in pain. I have always felt if your pet is eating and drink and is still them selfs then they have a good quality of life. I also feel that pets deal with their handicaps a lot better than humans they don't look back and say things like I use to be able to doing something or I wish I could do something, they just go with it and take it each day a time. I am a mom of a handicapped cocker spaniel she was a little over 4 years old when she had to have IVDD surgery and became paralyzed pretty much overnight at first it was very hard watching her struggle. I many of times thought to myself did I do the right thing for her, but then I would look into her eyes and see her will to want to live and I know it would be hard and we would have good days and bad days but we could do. She was always there for me, I went through a rough patch in my personal life and she was right there by my side. There were days I felt if it was not for her I most likely would have stayed in bed so I felt I owed her this. I would look at what she could no longer do and how her life would be long term and then one day I just stopped looking at the bad and I started looking at her improvements and I would not let anyone tell me she could not do it. I started to feel lucky for the improvements she was making. It has been 16 months and she can now stand on her own and walk it is wobbly and when she gets tried she does still drag herself and this is after her specialist said she would never stand let alone walk again, she has even now started running it is odd to watch but that is what makes it cute. She plays with her toys and goes swimming and car rides so I say she is still the same happy dog she always was just a little more special now. I know it sounds hard to but you can't let what people say or what you read get you doubting what you are doing. From all that I have read and even seen pets can live many happy healthy years even after their mobity goes. And as long as you feel Duchess is still happy and that you can take care of her then I feel there is no reason to doubt what you are doing. I know it is a huge task to on but I also have seen love that my dog shows me for it. I know I have gone and on here but I just get very upset when I read things like this. I have told people off because they told me I should have had my dog put to sleep because if a dog can't walk then they are no longer a dog, and I say if it was your child or your parent is that what you would want to do. So in the end you are the only one that knows

Stacy & Jasmine

[Christine]

Hi Shaz,

First of all, a belated WELCOME from me! Secondly, don't ever doubt the things you have done and are doing for Duchess, don't ever apologize for things done in love. I am sure you can look into her eyes and she will let you know that she is happy as long as she has her mom. You said, yourself, "She is happy in herself and barks and eats well and does her best to get about." She is doing everything she knows to do to let you know she is still loving life.

This article was written in 2001. Here we are ten years later and a lot wiser, thanks in large part to a man who made the ultimate decision to let his dog go at the advice of those who should have known. Mark Robinson started this website to bring awareness to pet owners that being handicapped is not a death sentence. This article contains outdated and, sadly, the mentality of that time.

I know you are going through a multitude of emotions, as we all have, dealing with our beloved pets' health issues, but take the good you find and use the true information you have learned tempered with what is in your heart to make your decisions. From everything you have shared with us and looking at her sweet picture, your Duchess is just that!

[Shaz]

Thank you Christine!!

I think you know where we are, you caught it! It was when I read on that Link Duchess should have been out of here by now, without doubt the Author is kinda Prominent and has views.

I have to deal with what "I Think" is the best.

Look, I could elect to put Duchess down tomorrow, couldn't I? Why don't I? Because she is still barking and eating for Europe, she is laying by my side as we speak and more important, she is happy!.

Thank you Ladies, for being there for me.
Sharon x

[marilynb]

I too know what you are going through,my dog went down at the young age of five. Many vets told me I should put him to sleep as he couldn't chase squirells.I told them mydog is happy just being with me,that was almost five years ago. Wally can walk and run although he looks drunk. He doesn't have control of his blader or poops. Yes he is a little bit of work,and yes I have extra laundry, and I don't go on trips. I would never leave him for more then six hours at a time. I will tell you I don't regret my decision for one moment. Wally loves m and is always in the same room as me, he is a dedicated friend and I don't know what I would do without him. Listen to your heart and look into your dogs eyes and you will know what to do. I believe you already made up your mind and you are in good company here. We are welling to go the extra mile for our babies.



Marilyn and Wally

[connie]

sad sad people to not know the love we have with our pets, SIGN((((( lol.
like the day cricket and i were outside, he was running around the yard in his special little drunken wobbly way. a man came walking by dragging his leg. he said" I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU KEEP THAT POOR THING ALIVE" my reply>>>>>>. HE WALKS BETTER THAN YOU, WANT THE NAME OF HIS VET? lol
they let us know when it is time. i was blessed with two wonderful vets who gave me hope for cricket, blessed with this site who helped me overcome my fears of doing his care. but more blessed with this dog of mine, who showed me true courage , determination, strong will, and lets me know every day how happy he is just to be alive and near his mommy, loving me. no he can't pee on his own, he can't jump, but he doesn't think he is any different than any other dog around here. he'll try anything, if he can't succeed at it, he finds another way to go about it. lol. i get impressed at each of his acomplishments, each little win he acheives. all i did was his P.T., he overcame all the hurdles himself, how many humans can do that?
i work with home health, i hear complaining a lot, i see sickness and age take over some of their lives, see some give up. once in a while i come across someone who will never let a disabilty be the thing to make them give up on life . when GOD shuts a door , look around, there might be a window to open . i know there comes a time when you MUST let go, i have had to do that once, it hurt like ####. but i knew it then and i'll know it with cricket. it won't be because he is DIFFERENT!
so CHEERS to all us pet parents with DIFFERENT fur kids, HIP HIP HOORAY, for all our very special pets!!!
we send hugs and doggie wet slurps to you all! been off line a while, working long long hours. but we miss you all.
connie & cricket

[Shaz]

Well, Marilyn and Connie and your Special Ones, this is a great way to start my day, reading your Inspirational and supportive messages.

All of you who have replied have reassured me that I am not being selfish by allowing Duchess to live her new normal. I was starting to doubt but you got me over that hurdle.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, wishing you all a very happy weekend. This is for you....

Sharon xXx

[Joan]

Sorry I am late to this, but what is being forgotten in this discussion is that Duchess is a PUG. Now as I should know with 9 of the little puggers, the most important things in life are:

eating
snuggling
snoring
eating
sleeping
eating
loving and being loved
eating

Which of the above is limited by lack of mobility??

I never care what others think, I absolutely know that my guys are among the happiest in the world, they love their carts, and they loved being carried, and they love everything about their lives... they are pugs after all!!

[Shaz]

Good morning Joan

I have got goose bumps reading your message a sure sign that you communicated spot on. You are so right, I am so glad I posted, all is well in Duchess World now.!!


Happy Sunday to you and your little 'uns!!! xXx

[Bobbie]

Scout's House has a quality of life scale designed more for disabled pets.

http://www.scoutshouse.com/health-resou ... h-library/

[Shaz]

Hi Bobbie

How interesting was that?....VERY!!!!!

Duchess and I scored zero. Woohoooo. Reasons to be cheerful. Thank you so much Bobbie and others who took time out to help me over a doubt.

You are (s)

Sharon xXx

[critters]

I agree the first article is outdated. It might be valid for people who aren't willing to do for their critters, but it sure doesn't hold water here at HP!! The Scout's House one is, in my opinion, a lot more comprehensive and accurate.