I spent a good portion of yesterday trying to decide what to do about Schmoopy’s current state. As I often do, I turned to Professor Google for advice, and he delivered. I found a great article on how to know when it’s time to say goodbye to your dog. I also found some forums where folks had answered similar queries, and I found some of those to be useful as well.
One person offered the advice her vet had given her: “When your dog no longer has three things in his life that he enjoys a lot, then it’s time to let him go.”
So I started counting.
1. Food. Some days she prefers to dine in bed or from my hand, but that’s okay. She devours it. She seems to not want her metal bowl, so I switched to paper plates. She also is not exactly doing backflips over dry food, so I mix in canned food. She can’t get that down the pipes fast enough. There is also plenty of begging at the table. Her love affair with food does not appear to be waning.
2. Walks. They may be brief, but she still loves to play “guess who piddled here” on the street. She also has a favorite lawn on which to rest at the halfway point. If we pass a sprinkler into which she can stick her head, even better.
3. Play. When she’s having her happy days, she does like to play with her duck or squeaky ball.
So for now, she still has three things.
We know we have a tough decision looming, but right now I’m going to enjoy the smiley face days.
Make a wish!
From tokenblogger:
Hugs to you and Schmoopy.
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From Wombat Central:
Thanks. I know it’s a downer topic, but it happens to be what’s on my mind at the moment.
From Zannah:
Oh, Wombat. I’m glad you found those forums. We’re not at that point with Roxy yet (she has more good days than bad), but the bad days really get to me, and then I get all weepy. Like I did over your last two posts. Hug your Schmoopy gently for me.
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From Wombat Central:
Yeah, the stuff I found online was actually more helpful than I thought it would be. It was nice to read other perspectives on the topic. It really is tough to take your own emotions out of the equation.
Oh, poor Roxy! I hope she lives as long as Schmoopy! I’ll go hug her for you right now. Thanks.
Hug Roxy in return, please.
From Stephanie M Andrews:
Hugs to you and Shmoopy!
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From Wombat Central:
Thanks, Stephernie.
Happy half birthday to Ellie!
From Kim:
Oh dear
I have been off the interwebz for a while and was super afraid to check your site for this reason. My heart goes out to you and your puppy-girl, we had to make that decision for my parent’s dog only a few months ago and it hurt, times a thousand. You are a great dog mom and I’m thinking happy thoughts for Sophie for as long as is possible.
Hugs,
Kim
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From Wombat Central:
Schmoops sends you a slurp in return. Thanks for your happy thoughts, lady. So hard to know when it’s time.