[shelleyandshylo]

Mydog is 12 years old and has hip dysplasia. He has not been able to get up for the past two days. Today it broke my heart because his back legs just gave out. I am so torn about whether its time

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[twinkiedooter]

Hi Shelly. I had a wonderful German Shepard named Panther who was 12 years old. I had him since he was 6 weeks old. He had the same problem with his hips and could barely get up. It broke my heart to have to take him to the vets myself. He sort of knew what was going to happen and had a wistful look to him when we got in the car. I hugged him goodbye and cried the entire way home. I knew I had to do this as he was in great pain. He really could not stand more than a few seconds and then fall back down. He weighed close to 100 lbs and there was no way I could hold him or carry him. Even though it broke my heart, I knew I had to do this as he could not continue to be the proud Pan I had come to love. You may listen to the vet and try some medicine for his hips, but remember your loving pet is now the equivalent of 84 years old in human years. Yes, it is time for him to sleep. I still miss my Pan and it's been over 20 years now.

[danielnoahsmommy]

Before you give up there are medications that can help "restore" him to his youthful exhuberance. He will let you know when he is ready to go to rainbow bridge .