[Discussion] Do you think that dogs know when they’re getting close to the end of their lives?

[slippinginfaith]

@fakkelsey1 Yeah tysm for the advice

 

[exoduskamman]

@slippinginfaith In these cases, instead of worrying, do everything you know to give her the best life you know how.

That way when the day comes, the pain you feel will be countered by knowing you made her life the most amazing she could have lived.

Just remember: If something is painful to lose, that means it was amazing to have.

Best of days to you and your pup.

 

[slippinginfaith]

@exoduskamman Tysm

 

[avemariapurisima]

@exoduskamman Very well saidAAMilne who wrote Winnie the Pooh books said ‘How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard’.... your eloquent post made me think of that- thank you

 

[imagebeastmarkbeast]

@slippinginfaith Take as many pictures and videos as you can, and don’t miss an opportunity to play with her or walk with her.

That worry is gonna melt away as soon as you look at that goofball’s little face

 

[tetrahedron]

@slippinginfaith Learn from your dog...live in this moment, not in regret about the past, not in worry about the future.

 

[imagebeastmarkbeast]

@slippinginfaith Mine is 2 and the mere thought of the day when I have to say goodbye brings me to tears. I need to stop reading these type of posts because I’m entirely too sensitive when it comes to my baby.

 

[slippinginfaith]

@imagebeastmarkbeast yeah me too. I saw one yesterday and I couldn't stop thinking about it

 

[slippinginfaith]

@imagebeastmarkbeast Read the replies that some other people said on my comment though. They're giving good advice

 

[nccountryboy]

@fakkelsey1 When did your shepherd/husky mix pass?

 

[fakkelsey1]

@nccountryboy Last march. Here is a picture from a few years earlier

 

[hollygrail101]

@fakkelsey1 You did good. I see love and happiness in the eyes.

 

[fakkelsey1]

@hollygrail101 Yes, Filbert was a happy loving dog.I often see posts here from people wondering if it's time to put their dog down. I never comment because it is such a personal issue. But for me, it isn't my call, the dog must decide when his life has become too painful to continue. It's the look in their eyes beyond the need for help they have when they get into trouble with a skunk or something or get hurt. This is a very final look somehow replacing pain and despair with resignation.

I remember the that terrible day when my dog Dave was run over by the UPS truck in my driveway. I got to him and knew he could not live. He looked up at me as if saying, "please help me" somehow believing that I could. This was not resignation but pain and desperation.

Now no one gets past the new gate and I've trained my two BCs to head for the house whenever anyone arrives unannounced. I never want to have what happened to Dave happen to another dog.

 

[nyli3]

@fakkelsey1 This post

 

[everyblessing123]

@fakkelsey1 Oh dear lord I’m going to sleep hunched over in the fetal position crying for every single doggy in the world now. Your dog must have been amazing. Thank you for sharing.

 

[fakkelsey1]

@everyblessing123 Yes, Filbert was amazing. But every dog I've ever known has been amazing in their own way. Each in their turn has enriched my life immeasurably, and I hope I theirs.
There was a time after Sam died and the pups were not yet weened that the house was empty of dogs. It was amazing how forlorn my world suddenly became. No dog to greet me in the morning for breakfast, no dog to run tail wagging overjoyed when I came home. But the pups filled that space immediately. I guess that's how it's supposed to be.

 

[everyblessing123]

@fakkelsey1 I’ve only been without dog for a few years of my life. We have two dogs now who are both old, as well as a toddler. We talk about not getting another dog for a few years after our dogs both pass, but that dogless void is so loudly deafening and sad, I doubt we will last a month.

 

[fakkelsey1]

@everyblessing123 What about your toddler? Kids absolutely love dogs. And dogs, most, love kids and would readily lay down their lives to protect them.

Also, you've probably given this some thought, but you don't want your two dogs to pass at home with your child near. Adults have enough trouble dealing with the loss of a cherished dog pall kids are often unable to deal with the trauma. I know I carry the loss of my first dog as a little boy to me to this day.

 

[everyblessing123]

@fakkelsey1 My toddler loves dogs.
I’m hoping that when our dogs pass, it will either happen at the vet or somehow at home and we are able to shield her.

 

[fakkelsey1]

@everyblessing123 You'll be able to do just that with any luck and your new pups will grow up with her until she is off to college and no longer needs the family dog at her side.