Wavering on euthanasia decision. Please send your thoughts!
Pit/lab mix is almost 15 years old. Arthritis, hip displacia, very very lumpy (they came on later in life, so didn’t want to put her through surgery to get them tested), periods of doggy dementia with pacing and panting indoors and staring into corners, pooping in the house almost nightly, constant panting when she’s not laying down or sleeping. Trouble with stairs and laying down/getting up. Still eating, but has lost a lot of interest in treats and walks. She’s a different dog than she was a year ago, seems like she’d lost her spark.
Had a bad week about a week ago and made the call to put her down this Friday after a vet visit where they mentioned it would be humane if we were to let her go as she’s in definite pain and struggling. She’s on doggy hospice with pain meds/anti anxiety etc that are putting band-aids on the problems.
Here’s the “but”… ever since we made the call it seems like she’s found some more energy. She’s still exhibiting a lot of earlier mentioned symptoms, but she’s been sleeping better than usual, only pooping in the house once a day (I know…), and less signs of doggy dementia. Her friends have come over to say “bye” and she’s almost been acting like her old self again. It’s making me feel delusional, and wanting to cancel the euthanasia. Almost feels like she’s not ready to go yet, but a week ago it was a completely different story. Is this typical? Two different vets have told us it would be humane to put her down. I’m just really confused and having a hard time with this terrible decision.
Not looking for answers, just want to hear your stories if you’ve been in this situation. This is my first dog, and I haven’t been through this before. Thanks!
Posted Jul 8, 2025, 4:54 PM UTC