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Get a 15-year-old dog from the shelter, and you don't have to do anything beyond "comfort care" for it.
Don't let greedy vets bully you! Consider it hospice for pets. I would love to run such a place one day...
It was not about greedy vets.
From your response not sure you have ever had a senior dog. Having your dog stop eating, have trouble walking, etc, it is just not about free "comfort care".
I was not bullied by any Vets. I thought I at least owed her to find out what was wrong with her so we could care for her better. She took care of us for 13 years, the least I could do was take care of her in her last two years.
From your response not sure you have ever had a senior dog. Having your dog stop eating, have trouble walking, etc, it is just not about free "comfort care".
I was not bullied by any Vets. I thought I at least owed her to find out what was wrong with her so we could care for her better. She took care of us for 13 years, the least I could do was take care of her in her last two years.
Yes, I have; when they's no quality of life, they go to sleep knowing they're well-loved rather than suffer. Often it's the most loving thing we can do for them. But people have differing views on this, I'm well aware! Some vets are really out to make a buck by guilting owners; not necessarily your vet.
Yes, I have; when they're no quality of life, they go to sleep knowing they're well-loved rather than suffer. But people have differing views on this, I'm well aware!
Of course, when it gets that their quality is life is sad. Normally it is a slow progression. Old age begins to set in, sometimes just a steroid shot will get them going again for several months. Sometimes some medicine for a few weeks. Sometimes one gets x-rays taken to see if you can help their quality of life.
I certainly hope at the first signs of trouble my sons don't decide to just give me "comfort care". For all I have done for them! They better darn sight do a few tests As I felt the same with my sweet dog.
Our Vet office was the kindest and most compassion place.
From your response not sure you have ever had a senior dog. Having your dog stop eating, have trouble walking, etc, it is just not about free "comfort care".
I was not bullied by any Vets. I thought I at least owed her to find out what was wrong with her so we could care for her better. She took care of us for 13 years, the least I could do was take care of her in her last two years.
Well said.
Sometimes even comfort care is expensive. My elderly GSD got shots to help with his arthritis and was on a supplement and an anti inflammatory none of which was cheap but together greatly improved the quality of his life. My decisions about his care had nothing to do with the vet. Senior pets can be expensive but IMO that's money well spent. My pets gave me their love and companionship throughout their life and I will absolutely give them the very best care I can when they're old.
FYI for anyone reading the thread - there are some rescues that will help with ongoing medical expenses for a senior pet if you adopt a senior from them. If someone is looking to adopt a senior but is concerned about the cost of medical care it might be worth investigating..
I didn't even want to open this thread because I am so torn about this that I usually avoid the subject entirely.
Until this past year or so, I have never ever considered living a dog-free life. But it has been that long plus I am now alone!
(Can you tell I may be weakening ??)
I didn't even want to open this thread because I am so torn about this that I usually avoid the subject entirely.
Until this past year or so, I have never ever considered living a dog-free life. But it has been that long plus I am now alone!
(Can you tell I may be weakening ??)
I don't think you are weakening. I always say when I grow up I will get another pet. I will be finished all of my adventures and work and will have a need for a furry friend by my side.
They are wonderful companions.
oh yes, I need and want to have a dog so much (I am a dog lover) but the places where I have rented have not allowed dogs. I do see dogs around here now, apparently people are allowed to have them if they get a "companion" necessity OK'd by their doctor (or something like that) which I could do. But now that I will have to move in a year, I'll need to wait until I get settled again and make sure I find a dog friendly apartment. I'll have to make that a priority! In SD most complexes don't allow dogs, only cats.
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As I felt the same with my sweet dog.
