Rosie and Cuthbert

[John Thomson]

Gaelle,

sorry I think I am missing something here........her arthritis kicked in?
From my experience with my own knee problems and with Diesel who suffers from arthritis is that it is not a condition that kicks in......unless of course the joints are subjected to an unreasonable amount of exercise or abnormal use which will then result in pain......however this does not 'kick in'.

Why could Rosie not take a pain killer tablet/capsule? If she won't eat simply open her mouth put the tablet/capsule at the back of her throat, close her mouth then stroke her throat to make her swallow? Has to be better than lifting her into a taxi, paying a consultation fee at the vet, her getting drugs injected, then a taxi home, you falling and bumping your head. She is an old dog so this must have been at best uncomfortable and stressful.

As for feeding her. Perhaps she is not hungry or does not feel like eating? If you want to hand feed her cooked chicken etc then that is what she will expect however if a dog picks up that you are stressed it simply will not eat! It is instinct for them......if any member of the pack senses danger they will be stressed and because when they are eating they are at their most vulnerable the pack simply will not eat.

If she does not eat ...remove the food and replace it at next meal time...when she is hungry she will eat.....tampering with the laws of nature does not work. At feeding times I would remove Cuthbert so that he does not harass her.

As for milk.........it will give an adult dog the skitts......hence Fiona the vet suggested it as a natural laxative.
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[kirsty]

[kirsty]

I have to agree with you Marcella, I just would not pander to the dogs food wise. They will eat whats put down to them or miss that meal.

When you think there are children starving all over the 3rd world and survive on horrible mixture from the red cross - and in the rich west, people are 'flavouring chicken' and the like to tempt spoiled animals to eat - it beggars belief.

[Enid]

Gaelle - John has given you some good, sound advice. I hope you take it on board.
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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet" - Edith Wharton

[Gaelle]

Rosie is very seriously ill now and I've been told that the time is coming very soon and I have been trying to prepare myself and up to now have been doing everything possible to give her the best chance. I cannot and will not not try to tempt a very ill living being to eat or drink. If it was just a case of being picky for no good reason then yes I take the point but in Rosie's case I have been trying to keep her strength up and for that I make no apologies and would do the same again in a heartbeat. I have been a nurse for many years and you never give up trying while someone is still able to eat. I am obviously very emotional right now but I have given her every possible chance and when her time does come I know I will have done everything I possibly can for her. If we have her for the weekend that will probaly be as long we will. I love her very much but I know for her sake I will have to let her go soon and it hurts like h...!!!!

[marcella]

Gaelle, if Rosie is now at that stage then as sad as it is I think you have to face the inevitable.
You know yourself that if it were you, you would feel miserable if things were being 'prolonged'.

It is a very sad time but as dog owners it's something we all have to prepare for from the moment we take them on.
Just do what is best for her, if she won't eat just let her be ............... she's obviously had enough now.

[Gaelle]

Rosie died peacefully in my arms this afternoon. I will miss her for ever.

[Enid]

You did all you possibly could for her Gaelle.

She is at peace now and you will remember the good times.
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"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet" - Edith Wharton

[John Thomson]

Really sorry for your loss Gaelle


John
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John Thomson
www.cumbernaulddogtraining.co.uk

[Barry]

So sorry Gaelle, think I have met yourself once only, but none the less I send on my condolences
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Barry, Kylie & Jay with precious Rotti Tikka

[Emma*]

So sorry for your loss Gaelle
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Happiness is being loved by 2 Great Danes

[Sam]

R.I.P lil Rosie, Run free now , with no pain . be sure that one day you will meet again.

Gaille...you did the best that you knew how by your girl. its never an easy choice an it takes real strength to put their need afor our wants. We all want them to live forever.

A wee poem for you. These are not my words but how true they are. When i lost my ol bitch i needed these words to remind me.

A dogs prayer


If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---


you did right thing Gaille.

Sam
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Damn dags.

[Claire/Mark]

So sorry to hear off your loss... Take care.. Claire

[Lisa/Colin]

So sorry for your loss, they break your heart at the end but remember all the wonderful times you had.

[marcella]

so sorry to hear your sad news Gaelle. She will be pain free now and you know you did your best for her.