New to sheltie group but need help

Shellie

I am so terribly sorry to read about you and Shellie. I do know how hard this is for you, having been in very similar situations myself. I know what your husband feels; she is still wagging her tail and following you and of course, that it is heartbreaking to think of losing her when she still acts happy.

How much do you think she really eats? Losing 3.5 lb since Thanksgiving is a lot. If you trust your vet, then she may be in pain. My girls never showed they were in any pain at all, even though they became very ill. You are so right that we can't make the decision for you. My dear little Vickie stopped eating and we tried all sorts of people food to get her going again. We gave her an ice cream cone (vanilla) as the last treat and that helped her to eat again for about 2 1/2 months. She had Cushing's disease, and we didn't think she was in pain. She was our first baby and we did try surgery, but she died soon after that. But three of our babies did need us to decide for them. It was heartbreaking to make the decision.

So I guess what I'm saying is just love your Shellie as much as you can for now but if she doesn't eat better and is in pain, I am sorry to say that she may not just leave on her own and may need you to help her to go peacefully. She will be waiting for you in Heaven. God bless you and your sweet baby.
 
Shellie

My heart goes out to you. We all have tough decisions to make, when our shelties are sick.

For what it is worth, you will know when it is time, as everyone has mentioned, they just have a look in their sweet eyes, a tired look that speaks volumes.

I had to put my sheltie down in September. He rallied once, he was trying so hard to be ok for me, only to do an abrupt turnaround. Sometimes they rally just for us, as if they know the pain that we are in.

Listen to your heart.


Best,
Kate
 
Not sure what your Sheltie weighed, but losing 11 lbs is a lot for any dog. Top it off by not eating and liver and kidney values up means it's the end of the road. Saying goodby is never easy. I agree that looking into their eyes is key. My little gal Cody got this distant stare after she stopped eating and we knew it was time. Don't let your dog suffer. Fifteen years is a long, lovely life to lead. Do the right thing.
 
15 years is a good long life for our Sheltie babies.

Like others have already said you have to weigh the cost of prolonging the life vs. the quality of life that the pup would have afterward.

At 15, its very sad, but I think its time to say goodbye.

I had to rush my 12 year old with respitory failure. The first diagnosis was cancer and fluid in the lungs. The vet started to talk to me about surgery, etc. but I didn't think I could even entertain that. Timber took matters into his own paws and died just hours later. He went from healty pup one day to dying pup the next.

I'll never forget how he hid his illness from us - we never knew - he finally let go and died the same day....He is my forever boy and I miss him terribly.
 
Welcome to the board, and I am so sorry that your introduction is such a sad situation. It takes a whole lot of soul searching I know to do what is right for your long time companion.

I have watched so many people do what I call make me feel good things for themselves, and not consider the dog. I think your on the right track of making the right decision, which is not an easy one to make.

My vet used to tell me with my senior setter before I had my shelties to watch for violent drinking. Where they gulp it up so fast that its wild.

Our very best to you and your pupper, prayers on there way.
 
Shelliebean Gill 5-23-1996 / 1-26-2012 RIP

I want to thank all of you for the kind words of wisdom you gave me about doing the right thing for my baby Shellie.I know that she is at the rainbow bridge running and playing with all of the babies. Shellie was the best dog anyone could have ask for and she will be missed so bad but I KNOW in my heart I did the right thing. She had been looking at me for several weeks with a look like she wanted something and I would ask her what, what is it you want and now I know, peace and to be be pain free. Again thanks and when the time is right I will be sending you pictures of a new addition to our family, because after knowing the unconditional love of Shellie I know I want that again, Laverne
 
I am so sorry you have to go through this. I agree with everyone elses. You will know when it is time. Our sheltie was 12 and just stopped eating one day. Took her to the vet and she was in liver failure due to gallbladder disease. We opted to not put her through major suegery an tried medication. Took her to visit everyone one last time knowing her prognosis was poor. Hubby and I were torn over what to do. Two days later we could just tell by the look in her eyes that it was time. It was the most difficult decision we ever made, and like someone else said we seconded guessed our decision even though we shouldn't. Just remember all the great times and unconditional love she gave you. This is truly the most unselfish thing that you do for you beloved. She will tell you when it is time, and remeber you are doing what is right for her.
 
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