My dad is 92, has dementia but lives at home with a daytime caregiver. He has a dog, 12 yrs old, blind, deaf and is diabetic. He requires 2 shots a day which we pay someone to cover over and administer the shots. The dog wears a dog diaper and also is now constipated. I know, I know, the dog should be put down but it is my dad's joy and reason for living. All he does is love on him. Dad's at the point where he doesn't care if the house smells or he smells. He sobs and sobs (actually wails) when the dog is gone for a couple of hours when he's at the vet. I'm afraid dad will go downhill when the dog is gone but I don't want the dog to suffer anymore. Will dad ask everyday where the dog is and then cry all over again. Its just so awful and sad.
If more folks were more like dogs - this world would be a better place.
So, it takes a lot for me to agree that
a dog should be euthanized.
If this poor dog is as bad off as you say - it’s time to let him go. He’s done his work here in loving your father and being his faithful companion for 12 years.
If your father were not suffering from dementia - would he want his best friend to be suffering such as this? I’d hope not.
It’s time to do the selfless thing. Yes. It will probably be hard on your father. No doubt about it. But still - allowing this poor creature to continue to suffer is inhuman. Regardless of how it will effect your father - it’s wrong to expect more from an animal in its condition. Let him go - he’s done enough.
Its time for you to be more like a dog.
All I can say is if you took my pup away from me and for the purpose you mention, it would be the death of me. This is said not to engender guilt, just a fact. For many their pets are the true source of love and connection when there are no others.
My parents dog is 17 years old, blind, deaf and toothless. If she would wear a diaper that would be so helpful. She bucks like a bronco with one on though. So I take her to pee every 2 hours day or night. I have to chop up her food into swallowable chunks since she has nothing left to chew with. I've spent more on her medical bills than than has been spent on my parents and grandparents combined. The dog doesn't have insurance. The dental care alone cost about as much as a small car. A nice one. Every day she's still with us is a blessing. Dogs are family.
Oh, your position is unenviable.
While the dog has physical issues, is he actually "suffering"? Does the dog have a reasonable quality of life?
From what you've described, it sounds like the dear creature is old and infirm, but has a few more miles to go, not unlike your poor old dad.
I'm in favor of keeping the two together as long as is humanely possible.
I wish you well,
R27
This beloved dog brings your father comfort and has "taken care of" (vice versa, too) and is his best friend.
Please do NOT put him to sleep.
He brings your father companionship, love, and care in life.
“ natural death “ . He insisted on staying with her which I know now was a good thing as he said goodbye ( I didn’t at the time and wanted him to remain with my daughter while I stayed but I was wrong ) I will say it was a very rough time . I will also say I should have done it sooner and not have listened to the Drs . I also have to say my husband was still aware to a certain extent of what was going on even tho I had to explain after how ill she was over and over and over . I gave him a project of pasting her photos all over our bedroom wall and every night he holds Elsa and shows her all the photos . That seems to give him great comfort even tho it’s a bit maudlin .
Sorry I’ve gone on and on . I think that I’ve been so concerned about his loss and ignored mine that writing this has really comforted me.
She was a wonderful devoted dog who brought both of us great joy.
Thank you all for this opportunity!
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