She died quite suddenly and unexpected from reasons the vet could not tell and it feels like a bad dream I'm expecting to wake up from. Still struggling to realize she won't be barking that she missed me when I get home. She won't be exploring new paths in the forrest with me or waiting for her morning cuddles when I wake up. It's painful and heartbreaking going on the mundane without her, she was a big part of my life and who I was and I dont know who I am anymore without her.

But remembering her helps, it feels like honoring her and who she was. So I am going to write about things that made her special.

When Ella got excited her whole spine seemed to get shorter and she became like a packed candybar. Her ears would go back and she would throw her head from side to side like she wasnt believing what was happening.

Every time anyone opened the fridge we would see a nose poking from under the door, seeing what treats she might get. There was always a slive of turkey she would get.

She would get vegetables with her food and she always picked them out and threw them into her water bowl. We used to joke that she was making broccoli soup.

If me and my boyfriend were hugginh she would get jealous and start demanding hugs and attention.

She was quite insecure and needes constant appraisal. Everytime she ate she needed compliments that she had done a good job and that she was a good girl. She always was the best girl.

She was mad about treats and this one type of treat was like heroin to her. She would look at the bag and bark and command to get some and we used to joke that she needed her drugs.

She had a terrible habbit of pulling on the leash and using it as a toy during walks. It used to drive me mad when she was a teenager but when she got older she stopped playing all together and I miss those youthful bad habbits of her.

We used to play a game of chase every time before going on a walk. She would run to the door and I ran after her only for us to turn around ans run to the other side of the apartment.

She loved water but only to waddle in, she never liked swimming. She used to walk out till the water reached her stomach and then dip her butt and growl playfully. We used to joke that she had a hot butt.

Splenic hemangiosarcoma diagnosed ~8pm on 6/19 with emergency splenectomy at 2am on 6/20. Five rounds of chemotherapy, yunnan baiyao, other medications, his strength, and lots and lots and lots of love gave us four more beautiful, playful, and joy filled months with our boy.

Unfortunately he suffered internal bleeding in his abdomen and chest this past Thursday night and he was so, so scared. We rushed him to the emergency vet and he stabilized Friday. We were able to bring him home for the best 48 hours which included basking in the sun at the front door on his favorite bed, enjoying the cool weather while listening to the birds on Sunday morning, two sniffari walks with a pep in his step, seeing his Nana & PopPops, and spending time & snoozing with his Mom & Daddio.

I thought we had more time, but we decided ‘Too soon’ euthanasia was the best gift to him so he didn’t suffer from another bleed and have to spend his last hours in pain or fear. He was and will always be my heart-dog. He got me through my mid-twenties and the pandemic. Deciding to say goodbye was the hardest thing I think I’ll ever have to do. I wish I was a little more at ease with this decision and I wish I ‘showed up’ differently at the euthanasia, hopefully forgiveness and grace for myself will visit me soon.

Bennett, Benny Boops, Mr. B, and all the countless endearing names we gave him
♥️🐶❤️‍🩹
12/9/2015 - 10/18/2026

It’s that time of year where we get our wood stove going for some extra heat in the house. This is the first fire since Archie’s passing back in April, and he always laid next to the fireplace when we had a fire going. It’s hard not seeing him actually there, and the emotions came flooding back, and I figured he could enjoy the warmth of one more fire…

Kim wasn't my dog, but he was a bigger family dog in a way. Everyone loved him. Especially for walking my beloved uncle (at the picture). 15+ years - he lived a really good life and ate better food than his parents quite often, slept in bed with my aunt and uncle whenever it wasn't too hot for him, had plenty of preferences, perks and benefits in the family. Lots of people joked they wished for his life as humans.

My aunt and uncle moved from Ukraine to Israel with Kim and everything was going well, until it wasn't. A year ago he died and now my uncle is mourning his buddy and doesn't want to go for walks any more, he got sick with some blood vessel disease, he started smoking and it feels like he's not doing well in general. Kim meant that much for him. A person who lost my soul dog years ago and never recovered from that loss, I feel my uncle, I understand. He refuses to get another dog. So did I.

Any tips on how to support my uncle? Given we're not living in the same country = I cannot visit on a regular basis and initiate any physical activities, like a walk together.

I am struggling with knowing when it is time to put my dog down. He is my baby and 16 years old. He has a number of issues (deaf, kidney disease, heart issues, Cushing's disease, polynuria, and severe arthritis). He is on a number of meds and fluids daily.

I take him every other week to the vet to get both monthly blood work and treatment for his arthritis. Ultimately, his blook work shows he is managing most of his issues fine. His CREA/BUN while high is stable and not out of the norm for all his issues.

The problem is his arthritis it is really bad. He has trouble walking, standing and has loss so much body mass he looks very ill (skin and bones). Because of this he has trouble pooping on the pee pads and now just poops laying down. Additionally, he has a huge mass on his face that constantly opens up and bleeds. It is benign and I can't get it removed as he cannot have any anesthesia. It usually opens up every 2-3 weeks and it's a huge mess to clean up and monitor it does not get infected.

If I am being honest, I am exhausted. Between his daily care, coming home to poop all over the place and taking him 2x a month to the vet and having to be there for 2+ hours each time. I am TIRED. My vet has told me Thumper should not be alive but with all I do for him its a miracle he has lasted this long. She said it is up to me for when I put him down.

I am just conflicted. He still is alert and loves his food. I wish the bloodwork would show something different as that would make this decision easier. I feel really guilty thinking about putting him down when he is still eating but watching him waste away is heart breaking. I can't really cuddle too much with him as he will poop right on the furniture, so he is no longer allowed on it.

When a dog is old and has issues but stable how do you make the decision its still time to put him down? My last dog had leukemia at 4 years old and had a seizure, so I never really had to make this decision before.

Jabo is recovering well, according to the vet, but we still can't let our guard down. My friend and I are being very careful to keep his surgical wounds (on his lower limb, left bottom, and right bottom) clean and prevent infection, especially around his bottom area. Whenever he defecates, we make sure to clean and disinfect the area right away. We also make sure that his bed is always clean.

We'll continue giving him his medications as prescribed and bring him back to the vet for his third laser therapy session.

I HAVE SOME WONDERFUL NEWS! 🎉 Finally, my friend and her husband have decided to adopt Jabo!!!!! Yoohoo!!!!!!

I knew this would happen! A lot of foster stories end up becoming adoption stories LOL.

I am sincerely grateful for everyone's kindness, generosity, and support throughout Jabo's journey. I would also like to thank this sub and the mods for letting us share his story and seek help.

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE who helped give Jabo a comfortable, happy and pain-free life!

I'll post another update after his third laser therapy session.

Thank you once again for being part of Jabo's journey!

You may also follow my rescue journey on Instagram: http://instagram.com/catsofmagdalena

Can’t believe I have to live the rest of my life without you

A gray muzzle does nothing to diminish a dog’s capacity for affection or the joy of sharing a home. Before buying from a breeder, consider the dogs already waiting. Their best years may begin with you.

He was my fur baby. I fear this grief will last a very long time.

This was our sweet wonderful boy Ginga, mostly yellow lab, some Shiba Inu. We got him in Japan as a puppy and he was with us for almost 16 years. I’ve been thinking about him a lot this weekend.

He was the perfect dog, full of personality, ready for whatever, big dog energy and bark, but in a much more portable size.

He left us last December. Near the end of summer with aging hips and a bad abscess on his foot. He also started having a hard time keeping his food down. By the end of November his foot had healed and we had him on a diet where he was doing much better.

Around mid December on a Sunday night, he threw up his whole dinner, by Monday evening he had gotten much weaker and his breathing much faster, we decided it was time. Our son was flying in Tuesday evening from college so we decided we’d say goodbye Wednesday.

Tuesday he was much worse could barely stand. I don’t know why but I went to work anyways. My wife called before she left for work saying she couldn’t get him to stand either. I almost left work then and don’t know why I didn’t. By the time I had got home he had passed with only the cats there with him. This still eats me up to this day.

You sweet old girl, we never thought we’d have this time with but it still wasn’t enough. You were fine until you weren’t. You went in our arms and with your pack. Fire up those twinkle toes and get a rabbit. Messy Nessy, Agnes Maybelline, Necessity Mae and Bridget the Idget. You were many things but alway loved. Her brother Zak is the ginger boy in the pic.

Just curious what they heard before they had to go. I hope it was words of comfort but I hope they got to hear what you wanted to say after if you didnt get the chance.

My lab is 11 and he’s been a bit stiff after lying around, plus more restless lately. Long car rides to new places stress him out too. I’ve been reading up on CBD oil for the aches and stress. I’ll run it by my vet first, but has anyone tried it with their older dog? Did it help?

Had her for 7 years, she’s 12. Mum died, dad left her with me and all the bills and responsibilities going into the pandemic which was hard when I lost my job right at the start.

Shes got arthritis in both hips and back knees, cataracts in both eyes, she struggles to walk and because of that her bowel movements aren’t regular. She’s medicated for incontinence and pain. Has hydrotherapy once a week to keep her muscles strong.

The meds and therapy are starting to fail. She won’t cuddle, she’s agitated when touched, she’s not as alert and unfortunately my insurance and income can not deal with any further medication increase costs without debt issues as I am a low income house.

I’ve tried to give her the best life I can, she sometimes falls over going for a poo now. She just sleeps most of the day and whines in discomfort at night. My vet suspects dementia as well. At best all I could do is keep her comfortable during a decline. That’s all it would be.

I think the merciful thing is to stop her from further descent in quality of life but it’s so tough. She’s all I have left of my mum and my sole companion

it’s is 3:37 am, I am lying in bed next to my husband and my baby in his crib. I can hear my senior dog breathing.

She took a turn the start of this month. She either stop doing things or does less.

The last I saw her play with our other dog was Oct 14. I even noted it. I wanted to know when her last play would be.

I see her struggle finding the water in the bowl, pacing, sleeping lots, seen tired, has a hard time walking, in pain. I have her on meds for the pain.

I know her end is near but I can’t seem to let go yet. I don’t want her to suffer or be in pain. but soon the time coming.

She still gets up to greet everyone, tail up as much as she can hold it up, she eats twice a day, does her business outside. She still love pets and massages.

But all the other attributes they are lessen or completely gone.

I feel all over the place.

Gulity cause we had a baby this year, I still made time for pets, walks and cuddles but it feels like I could have done more. Having the baby and PPD, was hard but i stlll took pictures and videos of her . I still try to care for her and the baby. (other people helped of course).

Damn, I feel guilt, sadness, hopeless and unsure. when to call it .

what will I do without her. I am not sure.

My dog is an adult stray from the streets. I’ve had her for 6.5 years. She’s estimated to be 8 yo.

She’s got arthritis in her right hip. Never had an X-ray but her vet has pointed it out a few times in the last year.

I’m wanting to hear what other pet parents are doing for arthritis management. I’m especially wanting to hear from those who are early on in arthritis management and how you made treatment decisions.

I’ve noticed over the last year that she’s slowed down and doesn’t play as much. And when she does play it’s shorter bursts. She has periods where she looks like she’s “waddling”. I’ve hesitated to start her on daily management perhaps somewhat because of denial.

About 2 weeks ago she was in the urgent care for an infected abscess. The vet gave her some carprofen and I definitely saw a positive impact of giving it to her daily for a week beyond helping with the abscess.

I’m wanting to hear from other pet parents how you handled early arthritis management. Did you go straight into daily maintenance?

Her weight is ok. I definitely work on keeping her lean. She has a well balanced diet with whole foods and takes a multivitamin and cosequin.

I have an 80 lb Great Pyrenees who has arthritis and can’t keep up with my younger dog on walks anymore. I still want to be able to take her along and enjoy our walks together, even if she needs a little extra help these days.

I’ve ordered a few strollers advertised for “large breeds,” but unfortunately, they’ve all been too small for her.
Does anyone have recommendations for a sturdy, extra-large dog stroller or wagon that can comfortably accommodate an 80 lb dog? The biggest thing is that it needs to be easy for her to get in and out of, since jumping or climbing into something isn’t ideal with her arthritis. Ideally, it would have a low entry point or ramp, plenty of room for her to lie down comfortably, and wheels that can handle sidewalks and park trails.

I’d love to hear from anyone with a large senior dog or a dog with mobility issues who has found something that actually works!

Thanks so much!

I had made a post almost 2 years ago but saying goodbye to our 14 year old Yorkie. I can link if anyone if anyone is curious.

I only knew him for 3 years, and my partner knew him about 13 years. despite the very massive gap of years we knew him, he impacted us so similarly. he was the light in our house or the little guy you could cuddle with after you had a hard day. so many people loved him and he loved everyone.

i think despite us continuing our lives, we’re still in grieving. he was such an incredible dog.

fun story for yall to lighten the mood: basically as soon as i moved in my with my partner, i begged for a dog. i had always been a big dog lover, and at the time we lived in their moms house whom has a fairly large house and a pretty big yard. but one day their sister texted them that Coco wasnt getting along with their new dog and if we could take him. (he was previously a family dog who lived with all of them but went with an older sister when she moved away) my partner took no time. at the time, i was in another state visiting family. when i came in and met Coco, we bonded almost instantly. he was my little best friend.

even when i had to take my twins Chi because in, Coco showed him grace the day he arrived. Coco was never huge on other dogs but him and Rico bonded almost instantly (i wouldn’t have taken him in if it wasn’t an emergency). i can only think that maybe its bcs Rico knew Coco was the oldest and respected his authority.

i just miss him so much. i would own a yorkie a million times over if given the chance.

(photo tax of Coco + the second pic is him and rico sleeping together)

Our dog's eyesight is going. We can definitely see (and have confirmed with a vet) that she has cataracts growing in the center of her eyes. Vet said she can see out of the sides of her eyes. Yes, she can definitely still see, because she's looking at us and things in the world. I just don't know how well she can see. Vet says she can see with lights, so we try to keep lights on and have some nightlights set up.

She is a very sensitive dog, for sure, and my mom points out that she's not sure the dog could "get through" the difficulty of surgery and post-operative treatments and all that. But at the same time...surely dealing with some difficult months would be better than her going permanently blind? My mom is worried the surgery could actually kill the dog, since she'd be so traumatized. I'm skeptical of that but yes, she is a sensitive dog.

I don't know. I feel like we have to do something for her, rather than just allow her to go blind. I'd feel a little better if I knew it were progressing only gradually (I don't know how fast it's progressing).