I have a min pin whom we call "shorty". He was diagnosed 2yrs. ago w/ CHF and we were told that he would not live longer than 6 mos maybe a yr. at close. We also had 3 diff. opinions and they all told us the same thing "give him the greatest gift" and "that is quality of life". Shorty eats great, bask's in the sun luvs us very much. Not to mention his loyalty to me. I give him "quality of life" by spending most of my time (post katrina) w/him and I can never even imagine putting him to sleep. They say "a dog is a man's best" not true he is "a lady's best friend.
2007-03-28 06:45:42 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your dog has done well to last 2 years if he was only given 6 months! Keep in mind it's impossible to really know how long an animal with any condition is going to live - you go by experience, but there are always surprise cases, and you're lucky to have one of them.
Listen, no one can judge your dog's quality of life better than you can. You will know when your dog no longer has a good quality of life - I'm sure you were only advised this because, in truth, congestive heart failure most often ends in an early and unpleasant death, and perhaps whoever said this just didn't want you to see your dog begin to suffer.
I hope Shorty continues to be a little miracle for years more to come! Just be honest with yourself, and you will know when the time has come - from what you've said, it sounds like you would be sensible about it.
Chalice
2007-03-28 06:56:33 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its great that you have had so much time with him so far, and that it hasnt affected him badly yet, but at some point you will be faced with making that type of decision. CHF is a horrible, uncurable disease, and when it gets bad it is very hard on the animal. When the fluid starts to build up in their lungs to the point where they have trouble breathing, it is basically like they are drowning, not a pleasant experience for the pet or for the owner to have to watch. I think its easier on owners to come to a decision about when they want to euthanize before it gets to such an crisis, i.e. when he stops eating or begins having trouble breathing. Good luck, I hope you have lots more time togethor.
2007-03-28 13:53:07 · answer #2 · answered by cs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aww...Poor little guy! I'm sorry to hear that he has CHF. I am glad to hear that you are trying to give him a good life before he finally goes. How old is he?
I can understand why people would tell you to put him to sleep tho. If he is suffering why make him suffer more? You know what I mean? But, as long as he is not suffering, the best thing to do is love him as much as possible and give him the greatest gift of life.
Lol! Yes, a dog is mans best friend, but in our case it is a lady's best friend. I have 2 Chihuahuas and they both tend to be more attached to females than males...I dunno why...my pup would rather me hold him than my boy friend. I guess that is because us ladies tend to be more caring and affectionate and that is what dogs love most.
2007-03-28 13:57:37 · answer #3 · answered by Xo_Danielle_xO 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thats sad poor doggy your soooo nice by giving the dog wat he wants....hope he lasts longer and it is true there a ladys best friend.
2007-03-28 13:51:34 · answer #4 · answered by Ely 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋