Had to say goodbye to our Kelev...

[tzvia]

I feel like I've been dragged under a truck...

Our lab, Kelev, has been declining steadily over the last 5 months. He lost 20 lbs of muscle in back and slowly got slower and less steady on his feet. As a flight of stairs is the only way to the street from my two story home, it became more and more difficult to even take him for a walk. Still, we helped him down, and back up the stairs and walked slowly with him when he was strong enough to go. He was 14.

Last night, he slipped and landed on his butt with his legs straight out in front of him, unable to get back up. His cries woke me and I got him back up. This has happened in the past, but he was ok after being picked up. This time, he fell again a short while later, and then several more times through the night. By morning, I realized he was drastically worse and was wobbly on his front legs as well. Thankfully my brother came over and together we took him to the vet he had been seeing since he was 6 months old. No arthritis, which I suspected was causing pain as the vet had mentioned years ago was a possibility. There was no pain. It was spinal degeneration, and he had almost no feeling in back. Cortisone shots once a week could help a little, but he was given maybe 6 months at best. He had declined so rapidly... We decided instead to say goodbye with dignity. Hardest thing I ever did; I held him and told him I loved him, told him he was going to the park in Heaven... he put his head on my chest as he always did when I scratched behind his ears, and closed his eyes. Been expecting this; he was 14, but he had tried to remain active for the last several months and we had been walking down those stairs and helping him up. But last night was horrible and the thought of him going out the dogie door and falling outside in the hot sun and getting heat stroke while I was at work was too much to bear.

This house is so empty now. I almost got up just now to make his warm steamed carrot snack (ground steamed carrots + a spoonful of canned food) that I gave him in the evenings or afternoons when I was off work. He had cataracts and I thought it would help. Gosh I miss him.

[lph]

tzvia, I'm so sorry You obviously gave him a happy life full of love and a gentle way out, and that's the best any pet owner can do.

[redrhodie]

I couldn't read your whole post because I can feel your pain. Please take care. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[maillotpois]

I'm so very sorry.

[indysteel]

Oh, I'm so sorry. That just breaks my heart to read. He lived a wonderful and long life and left this world with you by his side. I hope your happy memories of better times together provide some comfort to you.

[Trek-chick]

I am sorry for your loss. We lost our Lab this past December and it is never easy letting go. Cherish the memories. I still burst out laughing sometimes when I think of those crazy "Lab" antics...

[beccaB]

So sorry for your loss. I wish they could live as long as we do.

[OakLeaf]

(((((((tzvia))))))) I'm so sorry.

[Tri Girl]

I cry tears of sadness along with you. I'm so sorry you lost your Kelev. Although you did the right thing, and saved him from suffering, it's never easy to make the decision to let him go. All of our fur babies who have gone before are welcoming him at the Rainbow Bridge where you will meet him again some day.
Much love and hugs to you.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm so sorry. We have a 19 year old kitty who is nearing her end. It's hard to watch our pets decline. I'm not sure what's worse, the fast declines (like our late Gus kitty who had a stroke/seizure and passed away days later), or seeing this slow struggle and having to make the decision to help them go gracefully.

RIP Kelev. (((hugs))) to you as your grieve your baby.

[smittykitty]

Hugs to you (& tears).

We are lab people too. What lab #1 didn't do, #2 does. Our son grew up bought a house and of course a lab. They really are crazy but the most lovable dogs I've ever been around.

So sorry.

[chatnoire]

I am so sorry to read this. It's heart=breaking to have to make that decision to say goodbye. May your memories of Kelev keep you company in your mourning.

((((((hugs)))))

[Norse]

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he had a long and good life with you.

[bmccasland]

(((((Tzvia))))) So sorry for your loss. It is unfortuate that our furry friends live such short lives. At least you were there, and he was eased out with lots of love. Still doesn't make your heart ache less, I know like many pet owners here on TE, we've been in your shoes. Nothing quite like the "Mom, I'm tired and I don't feel good" look in their eyes.

[emily_in_nc]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having to say goodbye to a beloved pet/part of the family is always so hard.