How to help young adult children accept euthenasia.....

[stan4]

I wonder why we can't apply the same principles to human beings...the way we force them to live through nasty and debilitating infirmities...it's sick.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by stan4

I wonder why we can't apply the same principles to human beings...the way we force them to live through nasty and debilitating infirmities...it's sick.

This same thought occurs to me almost every day -- and certainly every day that I think of my grandparents, who both suffered and died from Alzheimer's disease. It's shameful what we have to make them suffer through.

[foxywench]

honestly, given what the op states abotu the dog being unable to stand up long to eat, not being able to switch sides without assistance, and knowing how painfull having degrading hips are id say the dog is actually borderline suffering right now.

sure the physical pain may not be excrutiating, but im sure the mental anguish of not even being able to stand to eat, not feeling steady on your feet and not being able to even change sides has got to be horrible for an animal whos entire being is based on instinct.

i would deifnatly try and give steroids a go, see if it eases anything, but honestly, given age and how far gone this sonds to be, id simply sit your son down (at 18 he is old enough to realy look at this dog and see that hes not the happy dog he once was, and that hes starting to go down hill) and tell him you feel he is starting to suffer, and youd like to make his last days the best possible by not letting him get so bad that his last few days are filled with pain and anquish.

putting a life long companion to sleep is hard for anyone, but i think being upfront and honest with him now, and being sure your putting the dog first would be best for everyone.

i would personally also offer to give your son some of the ashes if you decide to cremate the dog so that he can keep a part of him, if he wishes of course. and be sure to let your son know hes welcome to be there that day if he wants to be.

[Hopes]

Thanks, everyone.

He has good days and bad days. In the past, he would bounce right back within a few days.

Sometimes it looks like he's heading in that direction--where he might be perfectly fine.

But we're definitely in a phase now that is very unstable and could deteriorate permanently.

I'm definitely going to give steroids a try. I also read that the vets teach physical therapy.

I'm hoping we see significant improvement. If not, I know what needs to be done.

I appreciate everyone's advice on how to help the adult children deal with it.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he improves.

[grannynancy]

While I cannot give advice on choosing (or not) the time, I can say that my parents put down my dog while I was in college and did not tell me ...... for months ......I was devestated and eventually got over it but we were always straight up with our own kids.

when the time comes, if you can get a vet to come to your house that would be ideal. I even wish there was a service that did that because it is hard to find and many dogs are stressed about that trip to the vet.

[DawnMTL]

Originally Posted by Hopes

Thanks, everyone.

He has good days and bad days. In the past, he would bounce right back within a few days.

Sometimes it looks like he's heading in that direction--where he might be perfectly fine.

But we're definitely in a phase now that is very unstable and could deteriorate permanently.

I'm definitely going to give steroids a try. I also read that the vets teach physical therapy.

I'm hoping we see significant improvement. If not, I know what needs to be done.

I appreciate everyone's advice on how to help the adult children deal with it.

Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope he improves.

Sigh...

Such a tough situation. I'm not looking forward to this when it's "our" time (mine and Artie's, I mean).

I'm hoping that your boy improves greatly. Big hugs to you both.