emotional support

[ziggystardust]

When do you know when to let go. I have posted a couple of times with no responses. My beloved ginger who I found 9 years ago sitting on the steps of my hospital  and has been my faithful companion and also her other dog buddies has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure in May 09. I have tried everything to slow the progression of her disease from acupuncture to traditional medicine and have tried every food on earth including dog ice cream to colostrum to baby food to raw . you name it. The past week she was only taking small bites of treats and not even this now despite being on appetite stimulants and anti nausea medication. She is skin and bones. She receives sub q intravenous fluids each night. Although she appears to enjoy lying outside she is no longer interacting with her other pals,Her bark is weak and she is lethargic.When do you know when to let them go.It is agonizing and heart breaking. They say the focus is quality of life and yes she still like to be pet and hugged by us and go outside but she is not eating for two days and she is irritable with the other dogs. Her head is also tremulous.I am open to any advise or emotional support. with my otehr dogs it was so clear when to let them go

[ginger899]

Homoeopathic IPECAC might give your Ginger some relief. I'd start with 6c potency 2 tabs 3 times a day, or every 2 hours if symptoms are very bad, then space the doses out if the symptoms start to improve, cutting back to twice a day if she seems better. Then if she gets back to not appearing to have any nausea, stop dosing. Only start again if it recurs.

You could also try homoeopathic PHOSPHORUS (same dosage)

[ziggystardust]

I AM GREATLY DISTRESSED TODAY TO FIND OUT THAT MY FAVORITE BIRD SANCTUARY UNDER MY WINGS IN FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY IS IN DANGER OF LOSING THEIR PLACE. THE COUPLE WHO RUNS THIS SANCTUARY HAVE TAKEN IN OVER FITY BIRDS WHO THEY NUTURE AND TAKE CARE OF. BIRDS LIKE MINE WHO HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HOMES AND I COULD NO LONGER KEEP DUE TO MY DOGS ILLNESS. PAULA DEPENDS ON DONATIONS WHICH DO NOT NEARLY COVER THE MEDICAL BILLS AND FOOD AND TOYS FOR THESE BIRDS. SHE IS A SAINT. HER PLACE IS SPOTLESS AND THE BIRDS ARE WELL CARED FOR AND GIVEN MUCH LOVE. PLEASE LOOK UP UNDER MY WINGS AND IF PEOPLE COULD DONATE EVEN A DOLLAR AND  IF ENOUGH PEOPLE WERE AWARE PAULA COULD PURCHASE HER OWN PLACE . SHE TRULY RUNS A SANCTUARY . THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT WEALTHY .THEY ARE AVERAGE WORKING PEOPLE. HER HUSBAND WORKS AND SHE STAYS AT HOME TO TAKE CARE OF THE BIRDS PLEASE LOOK HER SITE  UP IF YOU LOVE GODS WINGED CHILDREN

[ziggystardust]

I continue my quest to help heal ginger or at least make her as comfortable as possible. right now she is on prednisone which is helping some with her appetite but i think it may make her anxious. i have already tried megace and another stimulant. does anyone know of any natural appetite stimulants or homeopathic ones. the same goes for nausea. she is on pecid ac plus cerenia plus compazine and her sub q fluids and i give her colosstrum before eating time but she still appears to have nausea as i see her lick her lips and when i approach her with food at times she will just turn her head away and walk away. also she hate the renagel which is a phosphate binder that she needs. can anyone suggest anything that is more palatable and natural. thank you again. today were having a fairly good day with ginger taking treats from the children next door and even eating some of my flounder sandwhich out of my hand.

[ziggystardust]

I want to thank each and one of you for your love and support.So far ginger  seems to be picking up and she is eating without vomiting and I pray this continues.She does not rough house with the other dogs like she used to but still likes to go out for walks and greet people and cuddle with us. My heart is also with all of you and especially with sandra and her julie,The only thing I can suggest is that you may want to try homeopathy as it has no side effects and provides comfort and also can actually improve some conditions. If you do not have a good holistic vet in your area go on line and also use Diane Steins natural healing for pets as a reference. LOVE ROBIN AND GINGER

[Sandra_G]

I am also going through the agony of losing my 9 yr. old baby mini poodle to Pancreatitis, Cushings Disease, lung problems, & many enlarged organs that probably have tumors on them. Some Vets say yes, some are not sure. I will NOT put her through a Biopsy & chemo. She is not strong enough.  I want her to live out her days happy, like she is now, not like a zombie, in pain from chemo.
I too don't know when the time is right. As many here say..."we will know when the time is right" & I am counting on that. It's heartbreaking. I agonize with you.  
When Julie has another attack of Pancreatitis, do I rush her to the Vet & treat her for the 3rd bout..she must stay there for 4 days to be treated??  If not, she will die.
What a awful decision to have to make. I just can't say goodbye yet.

I so much like what you said here...it makes alot of sense.
"In life we have those that impact our lives and at times we must put our feelings aside and ask if we have done everything we can and what is best for our pet."

Thank you to everyone who had great input in this forum.  It all helps.

[leosrme]

You know, we never think that we will know the right time to let go. But honestly, we do. There will come a time when you look at Ginger and you will absolutely know that now is the time. it will hit you like a brick and you will be sure.

My dogs have always left this earth in their own bed at home in familiar surroundings, with my arms round them.  My voice was always the very last thing they heard.  I could do no more than that.

This is the last loving thing we can do for our pet.  We can send them on in a painless and peaceful way, and end the pain and suffering.  

You will know when its the right time. It will be tough and painful, but you will know that you did the right thing and your pet will thank you for it.