How do we come to terms with not giving our dog a good death?

Post date: 2018-01-12 05:37:15
Views: 11
Our Sophie had been slowing down; our deaf girl had arthritis and ever enlarging tumors on her legs starting to affect her mobility, in addition to other chronic conditions continually expanding our medication collection. She'd been recently diagnosed with cancer, but the vet was actually optimistic about this, saying treatment could improve her quality of life and keep her comfortable.

I'd been saying within the past month or so, she'd tell me "I'm ok for now Momma, but we're going to have to have a talk when the weather starts staying cold." She had a brief hospital stay over Christmas due to elevated labs and dehydration. We tried to be pragmatic and started researching vets that would make house calls, but she was back to being a voracious snack monster and cuddle bug once she came home. But, this was during those two weeks of freezing temps, so two of her favorite things, walks and ALL THE SMELLS weren't there, so we kept grimly monitoring the forecast, wanting to give her a thaw and more time outside. We brought her to the ER a few days later, but was sent home. Then two days later, another 2 am visit with the vet looking more stricken and sending her to the doggie ICU for 02 and nebs. But still. The vet the next day was upbeat, saying she was improving and was looking good for a release, so we blithely gave her pets around her cone and walked away. Then just before she was to be released, she collapsed. When we got there, she was on the table hyperventilating with the seal of an 02 mask covering her eyes and surrounded by strangers. They gave us the option of a private room before the procedure to give her a little more love and told us to take as much time as we needed, but now I'm also haunted by the thought that I just prolonged her suffering for my selfish reasons. I keep replaying the past week. Did I pet her as much? Did I give her as many treats? I'm trapped in these loops, and I don't know how to get out. I'm not saying move on, but how do I stop second guessing every action of the past few months and remember how we loved on her?
Number of Comments
Please click Here to read the full story.
 
Other Top and Latest Questions:
Trying to recall British TV drama from 2000s about teen model
Container gardening with Japanese beetles
I'd like to book my trip please...
Printer best for photographs?
requiem
Answered: Are AI generated answers on q2a site bad for seo?
Delicious in Dungeon: Stewed Cabbage/Orcs
Top Chef: Chef's Test
Tickets for Candidates Tournament
Dog personality changes on prednisone