Animals and Pets

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I am surrendering a 13 year old dog soon. I feel his QoL is not so great. I would Like advice on how to help my other dog cope. (lemm.ee)

submitted 1 year ago by yippy@lemm.ee to c/animals

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My 13 yr old mixed cocker spaniel is not doing so well. I feel like he is not living his best life. He has developed several issues in the past couple years that impact his QoL. I'm worried how to deal with his buddy an 11-12 year old mixed shih tzu. I do not want him to get depressed nor do I want to get a new dog just to replace him. I'm open for suggestions. Thank you. I also told my older sister to not get me a new dog as she has a habit of doing so lol.

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[–] Countmacula@lemmy.ml 30 points 1 year ago (5 children)

I feel like surrendering is the worst possible option here. Old dogs do not find homes very often. Trust me. I know that world. It will leave everything it knows for a loud, and extremely stressful place.

Call me an asshole or whatever, but you are dooming him. I implore you to reconsider.

[–] yippy@lemm.ee 12 points 1 year ago (4 children)

In this case would you recommend I euthanize him? I know I'm being selfish but I'm having trouble letting him go. I broke down the the day I made the appointment. The CA pet care site does not provide much info on putting down pets. I would rather he live with someone else.

[–] N0_Varak@lemm.ee 34 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Unless you personally arrange him a new home, he isn't going to find one. Old dogs are hard to adopt out, so you'll most likely end up putting him in a stressful shelter while he waits to be euthanized. If you absolutely cannot care for him, do him a favor and just euthanize him. Sorry if this sounds harsh, but you need to hear it

[–] yippy@lemm.ee 21 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Sometimes harsh advice is needed. Thank you

[–] Cipher 8 points 1 year ago

If you have the resources, you can check out Lap of Love and see if they serve your area. They come to where you live so your friend can have a peaceful euthanasia with your company. I favored this option because it allowed my other dog to smell my boys body before it was taken to the crematorium. She tends to be dense, but she could immediately tell he was gone. I really think this helped her grieving process compared to him not being around suddenly.

Euthanasia is the hardest, most loving thing we can do for a companion who is nearing their end.

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