what would you do with a much loved old dog?

Question

my german shepherd cross is 12 years old and as arthritus and some days can hardly walk. We are due the fly to spain to live in 11 days time and we hoped that she would solve the problem for us because she would never survive the flight [shes not a good traveller in a car] shes a big dog too big for our parents to take on even though we've said we would pay for all food and vets fees our kids all live in either flat or privert rented houses

Answer 1

The best thing to do for her is to put her down, it sounds like she is suffering.

Answer 2

Take her with you - wouldn't the heat in Spain be good for her arthritis. If you get some sort of safe sedation from the vet before you travel that would help her through the flight. What does your vet advise? That's got to be the best advice surely? If you really can't take her and no-one can look after her for you is there a dog rescue in your area? Some people are willing to take on older dogs.

Answer 3

My lab mix was 17 when I finally had to make the decision to put her down. I realize now that waiting so long was selfish on my part because I ignored the warning signs. She ended up with cancer and lost almost all her weight. She looked like a walking skeleton. Sometimes, as much as it hurts you, you have to do what is best for the dog. If you think that she would live a happy healthy life for the next few years then I would find a new loving home for sure. But if she's declining fast from her arthritis then I make the decision that makes sense for her. I feel bad for you either way but good luck with your pup =(

Answer 4

I don't know how anyone but you can make this decision I lost my dog when it was 13 1/2 and I was heartbroken. How long does a German shepherd usually live? and how much would it cost you to take it with you? you never know the change in climate might be good for it ! but I don't envy you the choice.

Answer 5

You really do know what you must do, if she cannot go to Spain to live with you, you cannot leave her with any one else after being with you for 12 years. The vet will advise you, but she has had a long life and it is kinder to her in the long run, Good luck to your life in Spain and sorry that your dog cannot go with you.

Answer 6

I think you know the humane thing to do. It wouldnt be fair to your dog to make him live with someone else new anyway. As sad as it is--Your dog should be euthanized for his own sake--his future without you would not be worth it to him anyway. And he is probably in pain due to the arthritis. The only thing that bothers me is that you made these plans to move out of the Country and have left it till now to make a decision. Good Luck.

Answer 7

Personally I would wait to travel but if thats really and truely not an option then finding a friend or relative to take him. Kennels would be a cruel way to let him finish his days. maybe you should have considered this a lot sooner than 11 days before you're due to go.

Answer 8

I had a similar problem with my 18 year old cat. She was very frail and used to drool with nerves and wee in the car when travelling, so when it came to moving house, I had her put to sleep. I thought it was the kindest thing to do. She would never have survived the move, being shut in her basket, the noise etc., the trauma of it all would have killed her anyway. She left this life happy in her own home with the family with her. It was my ultimate declaration of love for her and the hardest thing I have ever done. It was awful and I still shed a tear for her even though I have another cat now and it's nearly two years on.
I shall be thinking of you. You have my sympathies.

Answer 9

when I relocated I took pictures with me to the vet that my dog went, so i could put her picture in tha adoption book, I was fortunate to have a couple coming out because they had just lost there dog, as well i had my dog with me, and righ then and there they asked for her and i gave her to them with the promise that they would keep me informed about her and that i would be able to visit on my trips home. My dog lived 2 years after that and the family did as promised, sent me pictures and even called me because it was things they needed to know about her such as ... she dont like to be on a leash or tied up outside. So maybe you can try putting her pic in the doctors office for adoption and ask that you stay informed.

Answer 10

Get her to the vet and put her on pain meds. find a private dog sitter to watch her while you are away. Eleven days is nothing. Pay the price. if you were near me, I'd watch her for you.

But there isn't any need (not knowing the dog) for her to be painfilled. There are drugs that help for awhile. But I wouldn't put her down for convenience. That doesn't seem fair to her, does it? Get her on drugs and board her. Many vets will board their geriatric patients, too.

Answer 11

Try a German Shepard rescue. You should be able to find it on the net. Alternatively, if she is in so much pain that she can hardly walk, you might want to consider ending her pain. It is the hardest decision to make, but it is sometimes the best decision for your furry friend. You could also attempt to give her away by putting an add in the newspaper. Another thing you want to consider. If she is in pain, and suffering, do you want to add to that suffering by placing her in a totally new environment? Sometimes, the hardest choice is also the best choice.