[emeeshaw]

My dog's name is Little & we have been by each ether's side for almost 16 years. We recently moved and since then her health has rapidly declined. She has become confused, weak, stiff and now she's lost control of her bowels. I've always been able to take her to the vet and now I can't. I understand how old she is and have been trying to prepare myself for when she's gone. What I can't do is just watch her suffer. Now she's laying outside and I can't get her to get up to come inside. She's pooped and needs to be cleaned up but I'm making her more uncomfortable trying to move her. I'm alone and can't pick her up by myself. The concrete is cold I know it must making her more painful. I could only get her to drink a little broth but that's it. I don't know what to do.

[Wondergirl]

Can you call anyone to come over to help with her?

[LadySam]

Is their a neighbor that can run over and help you?

[LadySam]

Is she at able to use her front or back legs?

[Alty]

I'm so very sorry. I recently put our 16 year old black lab down, and his issues were very similar to what you're facing right now.

First, to get her off the floor, get a towel. Lift her back legs, put the towel under her stomach, and try to lift her. She may have the strength to get up if you help. Most times dogs lose mobility in their back legs first, so she may still be able to use her front legs, with some help. Trust me, if you do this, you will be strong enough to get her inside.

Second, I think you already know this, but I'm going to confirm it for you. Sweetie, it's time. This is never an easy decision, but it is time.

A lot of vets will work out a payment plan, especially for this sort of thing. I don't think you should spend thousands trying to fix the issue. It can't be fixed. It's old age.

If you want you can PM me, let me know where you live (if you're comfortable doing that), and I may be able to help you find a vet that will euthanize (if that's what you're considering), and cremation, or burial, whatever you want.

But I do think it's time. You know she's in pain. Dogs tend to hang on longer because of us. They don't want us to hurt, no matter how much pain they're in. Give her the peace she deserves.

I'm writing with tears in my eyes. I'm so very sorry that you have to deal with this. We have wonderful people on this site. We can help you through this, so I hope you come back, and I hope everything is okay.

You're in my thoughts.

[emeeshaw]

The neighbors are either not home or couldn't lift. I don't want to leave her for very long. I got some towels under her belly and managed to scoot her onto a rug but she wasn't happy and growled at me for the first time. I can't stand this. Why won't vets help when someone can't afford them? Does she want me to just let her go? I don't know what to do

[emeeshaw]

Im in loma linda calif. I have tried several vets. Not one of them will make an exception. I ve been offered care credit application to pay for services but won't be approved. She is having to pay for my financial situation. I love her so much and I've failed her miserably

[LadySam]

Try to stay calm, I know that will be difficult. Did you manage to get her in the house?
Be very careful please, if she is in pain she may actually bite you.

[Alty]

The neighbors are either not home or couldnt lift. I don't want to leave her for very long. I got some towels under her belly and managed to scoot her onto a rug but she wasnt happy and growled at me for the first time. I can't stand this. Why wont vets help when someone can't afford them? Does she want me to just let her go? I dont know what to do

What can you afford? I may be able to find a vet in your area, or another service, that will be able to help, but I need a price you're comfortable with, I need to know where you live (don't post it on the public forum, just send it via PM, and I'll post what I find). I don't want to put you at risk by asking you to post personal info on the site, and if you're not comfortable sending it to me, I understand.

I recently went through this, and I was shocked at the prices charged by different vets. We ended up paying $150 for the euthanasia, but we lucked out on the cremation, as my husbands cousin is in the business, and he did it for free.

But, depending on where you live, and the laws in your area, you should be able to bury your pet in your backyard.

I'm sorry if it sounds like I'm being very heartless in my answers. I feel like I am because I'm pointing out the money aspect, what to do, how to do it, and I'm not acknowledging how very hard this time is for you. I know it's not about the money, even though most of us can't afford to spend thousands to relieve our pets pain. I know what you're feeling now, most of us do, we've all lost beloved pets. They're family.

Whatever we can do for you, let us know. I wish I could help you with the finances, but our family is on a very tight budget as well, so that's simply not possible. But I can do some research, and I can help you find someone to help ease your girls suffering.

On a side note. The growling and the biting, that's pain. She's in pain, so much pain that she's going against her natural good nature, and she's lashing out. She has no other way to tell you how much it hurts.

It's time. I think you know it too. Let me know if you want my help. I'm here, even if you just want to talk, or want a shoulder to lean on. We all are. Okay?

[LadySam]

Have you tried calling the local humane society or animal shelters?

[emeeshaw]

God I can't even afford euthanasia. My beautiful little girl has to lay here like this I don't know what to do someone tell me what to do pease

[Alty]

Im in loma linda calif. I have tried several vets. Not one of them will make an exception. I ve been offered care credit application to pay for services but won't be approved. She is having to pay for my financial situation. I love her so much and I've failed her miserably

You haven't failed her! Don't ever think that.

You're here, and you're doing the best you can. She loves you and you love her. Trust me, she knows that.

Do you have aspirin in your home? Baby aspirin is safe for dogs, not that that's a big issue right now. It may help ease some of her pain. How much does she weigh?

Now, let me do a search. It may take a while, so give me a bit, and check back often to see if I'm posted. I know the others will be doing their best as well. Lady Sam is wonderful with animals, and there should be more dog experts on very shortly. I'll PM a few of them to let them know we have an emergency and we need all hands on deck.

Right now just be with her. Let her know you're there, pat her, tell her you love her. She may very well end this on her own. But one thing you must never do is feel any guilt. Vets are too blood expensive! Right now most people are in financial distress. There's nothing you can do about that, and you're doing all you can for your dog. So chin up, give her comfort. We're here to give you comfort, but you have to be strong for you dog. If you need to cry, or be upset, come here. But when you're with her, just give her the comfort and love she needs. That's the best you can do for her.

[emeeshaw]

I'm signed on Google chat but never use it so I'm slow. If anyone canchat. <removed> I guess is my user

[LadySam]

50-100 pound dog can have 1 regular strength aspirin 325 mg better if its coated and given with food.

[emeeshaw]

I've been giving her 200 mg/day aspirin for the past couple days but she won't eat anything. She's not panting anymore. She just seems like she wants to be left alone. What does that mean?

[LadySam]

I don't have Google chat, but will help you here the best I can.
Did you manage to get her indoors? Do you know personally any of the technicians, receptionists, etc at your vet clinic?
And have you contacted the humane society r shelter?

[LadySam]

The staff at your clinic if you know them and can contact them will be invaluable right now in that they will know exasctly who you can call for help with her.
People call me after hours all the time, trust me they will not be bothered or offended

[Alty]

ive been giving her 200 mg/day aspirin for the past couple days but she wont eat anything. she's not panting anymore. she just seems like she wants to be left alone. what does that mean?

It means that she's tired, in pain, and probably doesn't understand what's going on.

Just be with her. Even if it's just you sitting next to her. Keep her warm, put a blanket on her, talk to her. She may be ready to do this on her own. Just keep her comfortable, and let her know that you're there for her.

Are there family members that would be willing to pitch in? Even if everyone just gave a few dollars, as much as they could afford, it may be enough to help.

Are you married? Is someone going to be with you later?

[Alty]

I think your best bet may be San Bernardino Valley. They're the closest Humane society to you. I've written to them, and I'm waiting for a reply.

If they can help, and I'm hoping they'll offer it for free, or at least accept a payment plan, can you get to San Bernardino Valley?

[emeeshaw]

I moved to California from Utah recently to be closer to my mom. No, I'm not married. I was planning on it not too long ago but the one I was going to marry shot himself awhile ago. So I came back here to calif. But, haven't really made any friends yet. So tto answer the question about talking to my vet staff- we don't have one yet. In fact both of my dogs are late for their shots and check up. Pretty ugly situation, huh