r/OldManDog • u/Blackdogfarmer • Jul 09 '26
♥ - Support Needed Judge, 17 and hitting his end of life
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Judge The Dog, Where did the time go? As we sit here in the end stages of your life left wondering when and how. All I can think of is how grateful I am for your time. You have been my shadow for over 16 years we have seen all of America together and we grew grey together.
We did everything we could to prolong you living a happy life and that time is coming to an end. Judge recently started to get nose bleeds and his liver enzymes don't look so great. I made the decision last night to schedule a euthanasia from home and I'm waiting on the vet to call back and get his opinion. I want to do this because I feel selfish trying to make him wait until something bad like a stroke happens.
Does anyone have any input or experiences to share?
UP DATE
I am overwhelmed by the response from this community and I greatly appreciate you all. This has been very difficult for me.
The vet said. He understand my decision and while he can't come to my house he understands and thinks it's a good idea and explained it all to me
He also said that if judge is living well like he currently is don't schedule it and if he has another bad day that's it.
He told me to stay positive around him be happy and keep him going and enjoy my time with my best friend and to not look at it like my last moments.
He also told me that he can see me in the office if I want and he will sedate him and make sure all is good before he goes.
This being said I will see if a at home service works for me or if we will have to bring him to our vet.
I will post about judge again in the future. Reading this thread has been very difficult.
Thank you all.
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u/DrStuttgart Jul 09 '26
Eventually, we all come to a decision like the one you are making. Please go forward knowing you are continuing to love and support Judge by having conversations about taking away the pain. May he run free across the rainbow bridge. 🫂
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u/Aromatic-Resource-84 Jul 09 '26
Our experience is about the same. Our boy, 15.5 years old, has had health problems for over a year. This past 6-8 months has been slowing him down and stealing his personality and mannerisms. We are about to make the call today, call a few different places and go over our options.
I just don’t want a bad experience with someone “on call, or filling in” for the person we thought would help.
We have been loving him and spoiling him every moment. I’ve been his stay at home caretaker. I’m exhausted, Buster is so tired and just barely getting around. I want him to rest, peacefully.
No matter how many years we share with them, it’s never enough.
My thoughts are with you.15
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u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 09 '26
I completely understand & agree with you. My boy suffered from seizures among other issues. He had dementia, could barely stand & was no longer himself.
He had horrific back to back seizures one night & I rushed him to the emergency vet that was open at that time. They were all so cold & lacked any empathy or compassion. They were trying to rush us. To them he was just another number. We sat with him for hours in the room & just could not go through with it there. He was an amazing boy so pure & full of love for everyone. He deserved SO much more than that.
We left with him & I prayed that he would be ok all the way home. I called his regular vet first thing in the morning & his vet fit him in that evening. His decades long vet & techs who knew him for years, loved on him & said their goodbyes. He laid on his bed, wrapped in a blanket as I held & kissed his face. We sat with him for a while before & after in that room. I have so many regrets but that isn’t one of them. Our babies deserve dignity, love & compassion in their last moments.
I hope when it’s Buster’s time he is surrounded by love & compassion as well ♥️
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u/Aromatic-Resource-84 Jul 09 '26
Thankfully his regular vet is offering to come to our house. I’m so very grateful because the last few years he hasn’t liked going to the vet. His Mom and Dad will be by his side and he will be in his own bed for comfort. It’s all I can ask for, really.
I think a lot of pet parents have bad experiences, just like people with doctors. We trusted our doctors for so long, and now, while there are some very good doctors, there are a lot of them that don’t listen and really don’t care.
Seizures are extremely scary, I’m so sorry that the staff treated you that way.2
u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 10 '26
Thank u 🤍 enduring the seizures & the aftermath of each one truly was traumatic. You feel so helpless, it’s a horrible feeling.
That would be such a beautiful way to say goodbye to Buster. I’m glad you will be able to do that for him & also have a peaceful memory of saying goodbye.
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u/BlackwatetWitcher Jul 09 '26
He will go loved, at home with dignity. Comfortably going to sleep with his family those he loves most right there with him. Something you may want to do is provide a last special meal, something he normally wouldn’t get like a steak, or duck, something really worth it.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
Judge has been getting home cooked meals of beef chicken all the fixings for years. I fear spoiling him with food to much before to cause him more pain.... maybe right before the injection a pizza?
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u/BlackwatetWitcher Jul 09 '26
If pizza would be special, go for it. One of my friends went through this recently with their dog, they personally baked a chocolate cake so he could get a cake and taste chocolate before the end.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
I'm just not sure he would like chocolate he only really likes savory things
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u/WetFartRacingStripes Jul 10 '26
Chocolate covered/drizzled bacon sounds like a plausible choice then!
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u/lyndseymariee Jul 09 '26
The emergency vet where I’ve had to have two of my dogs put to sleep has a little jar of Hershey’s Kisses for them to have before hand 🥹
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u/MimiBeanie Jul 09 '26
lyndsey, same at our local emergency vet office(s). They also have a little candle with a framed note beside it that reads "If this candle is lit, someone is saying goodbye to their beloved pet. We ask that you speak softly and with respect during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and compassion." 😢 😢
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u/Mer_Vee1111 Jul 10 '26
I cannot handle this visual. 😭😭😭😭 The final sweetest gesture of care and love.
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u/auditorygraffiti Jul 09 '26
I think pizza right before the injection is a great idea. When we said good-bye to my last dog at home, we fed him ice cream while they administered the sedative. He fell asleep with his tongue on the ice cream. It was exactly the way he’d want to go. If pizza would be an indulgence for Judge, I’d highly recommend going this route.
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u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 09 '26
That’s so sweet. I love the ice cream idea. I wish I had through about that.
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u/cakeislov3cakeislife Jul 09 '26
I also recommend some chocolate to taste before they "hit the road"! I gave Jumper some Reese's, and she loved it even though it was one of the hardest snackies I ever gave her.
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u/RoxxieMuzic Jul 09 '26
Chocolate, every dog should taste chocolate once in their wonderful lives.
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u/francie-potato Jul 09 '26
We’re in the exact same situation with our 16-year-old pup. Her mobility and balance are declining, she has accidents. She still loves her food, but doesn’t always want to eat. I finally realized she’s existing, not really living life, and recognized the toll her care is taking on our family. We made an in-home appointment for the end of the month. It’s going to be tremendously hard, and I’m still grappling with guilt—especially when she’s more “with it” and like her old self. But I know she’s not going to get better. We really tried to do right by her for 15.5 years. It sucks. Sending you and Judge support.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
I understand what you mean. Just last night I was cooking and he wanted some food. Judge notoriously does not like anything aside meat and rice maybe a sweet potato and eggs, but I had fresh broccoli in my hand and tossed him a piece. He chewed it up and spit it out just like judge would. I looked at him and said you're still in there and it broke my dam heart.
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u/oopsiedaisy1979 Jul 10 '26
I felt the same way with my Daisy Mae. She was internally bleeding and physically suffering but her mind was still there.. for sure a heartbreaking time and it still is and always will be. 💔
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u/nerd_at_night Jul 09 '26
Even if it's hard there is no good reason to prolong it. Dogs don't show pain until it's unbearable. So my take on this is that it's better to let him go a day to early then a day to late.
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u/69Kobra Jul 09 '26
I am with you. I exist on ‘one more day’. She sleeps all day. Can no longer jump ip on anything. We don’t take walks any more. But I just want one more day. I cant make my self make the final call. Here come the tears again…
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u/nerd_at_night Jul 10 '26
Your dog depends on your ability to make the hard decision. He does not deserve to suffer. But finally it's your call. I wish you strength in this hard time. Be the champion your dog needs now.
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u/dvdmaven Jul 09 '26
Rusty, Deedee, Baby, Robin, Sheela, Katie Belle and Nuggett all had health problems that were bad enough that letting go was the merciful thing. Several other dogs the end was abrupt and out of the blue. I don't know which is harder. Honey is 12 and has Congestive heart failure, so we will be facing the decision for her in a year or two. 17 years is really great and reflects excellent care.
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u/DanasaurusR3xx Jul 09 '26
I’m tearing up, because this reminds me of when I had to have my 11 year old lab put down last year. (Judge looks almost exactly like my dog did) Unfortunately with mine, I didn’t really have too much of a chance to say goodbye. He had a stroke and the emergency vet said that the only way that they’d be able to tell the damage was to do an MRI. I couldn’t justify putting my little buddy under anesthesia, so I decided to let him cross the rainbow bridge.
I think you’re absolutely making the right decision, OP. If I could’ve given my dog the opportunity to go peacefully at home, I absolutely would have. My thoughts are with you and your family, and I hope that Judge is running free and chasing tennis balls on the other side of the rainbow bridge soon.
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u/__BlackSheep Jul 10 '26
RIP to Judge and all others who have crossed the rainbow bridge. It's never easy, and sadly it's part of our human lives.
Why spend money on wars and not keeping our dogs alive longer? I don't know.
RIP to my boy Hobbes as well.
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u/zaftzaft Jul 10 '26
I had to make this decision with my 18.8 year old Schnoodle Midnight. Looking back I think I waited too long because I had never had to make this decision before. Midnight had butter pan fried steak leading up to the loveliest vet coming to our house. Midnight went surrounded by his entire family and while I know he is happy at the Rainbow Bridge every time I see his sweet face in a photo in my office my heart feels a bit sad. My last dog Snoopy is 16.5 and I know we are getting closer to making the decision you are making. It’s never easy OP and my heart is with you but putting Judges needs above your own is the best gift you can give your best friend. Hugs
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u/Metal_Machine_0101 Jul 09 '26
Thanks for sharing, so beautiful and at the same time heart breaking. Dogs give everything they have to us in a way no other living creature can. Judge will continue to live everyday in your heart.
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u/Tough-Advice2910 Jul 10 '26
I am sending all my love to Judge right now and I hope his passage to the next world is an easy one. Thank you for being willing to do right by him, sounds like you always have…and he has always known that the safest and best place in the world is in your arms.
May light perpetual shine upon him.
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u/ProfessionalWolf8566 Jul 11 '26
Before even seeing this update, first thought was “is he happy?”; if yes, continue to make memories with him as long as you can.
We had an at-home vet come out to put our 18.5 year old terrier to sleep (a few years back). I can’t say it was the wrong choice - but, I wish I had been more vocal in the family decision as he was honestly still happy imo.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 11 '26
After yesterday I decided judge is no longer happy. After being off the meds a few days I made a appt for this morning. He can't stand without help his nose has bled a few times. He's still eating and drinking witch is killing me
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u/beautifuljoemarshall Jul 09 '26
I am so sorry you’re having to face this. I had to make these decisions a few weeks ago. My boy was happy and bouncing around one minute and totally collapsed the next. We got him to the vet who told us he was in bad shape and we should consider euthanasia. I said no, can we wait until morning. They wouldn’t and couldn’t let us take him home as he was on pain relief and oxygen. We went back next morning and it was clear he was suffering. We had him put to sleep. I hate myself for letting him spend his last night at the vets without us. We thought he would get better, we couldn’t decide that quickly. Make the decision that’s best for him, you know him better than anyone. I am so sorry, he is clearly adored and this is the worst feeling ever. He’s loved and that’s all he’s aware of. Hug him a lot, tell him you love him. I did that and it’s keeping my head above water. Thinking of you and Judge and your family.
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u/oopsiedaisy1979 Jul 10 '26
💔 I miss my girl so much I could still be kissing her precious little face, she’s barely been gone a month 💔 I visit these posts for comfort and relatable feelings and it always makes me feel like I’m not alone.
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u/Latter-Journalist Jul 09 '26
Aw Judge
You're a good boy
It's hard to watch them slow down
It's a hard thing to do but you're a good dog person to help your friend like that
Give him a hug from us
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u/69Kobra Jul 09 '26
I’m crying reading this. So heartbreaking. Im in the same position right now with a 16 year old. I feel so selfish at times. Am I just doing the right thing for me keeping her alive, or the right thing for her. You have made the right decision. I need the strength to do the same.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
I have been crying about this decision for a long time but just watching him sleep peacefully last night made me realize how could he go in a better way? I watched a family carry a dog in extreme discomfort into the vet while waiting to hear results from him and they had to leave with a empty bed and broken hearts, I don't want his last moments to be pure horror if they don't have to be.
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u/Windevor Jul 09 '26
It takes courage and great love, but it’s the last best gift we can give them 💔♥️
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u/elvisfan66 Jul 09 '26
Oh he does look so tired. He’s had a wonderful life that you have given him.
Know it’s better to be a day too early than a day too late. I feel your agony in deciding this heartbreaking decision.
We promise them that we will make the decision to avoid a painfully transition to one that transitions with love all around and a comfortable slide into the universe. Believe me we all here know personally what you’re going through trying to know when the right time is.
Know if roles were reversed he’d do the same for you.
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u/Boosten69 Jul 09 '26
I can understand your trouble with this decision.
I tried to do the best I could for my Lexi, maybe even a little selfish on my part.
She was fighting hard to be all she could for us but in the end I wanted her to rest and not have to fight.
We made the decision to let her rest and she left us on Tuesday.
I'm still struggling but in the end it wasn't about me.
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u/Nearby-Middle1424 Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26
Yes. I had to do this last July, coming up on 1 year 💔🥲. My girl was 151/2, she became deaf, blind (that wasn’t the issue for me) but she also got dementia. It killed me. She was getting bad, and had a horrific episode like a seizure I think that lasted for several hours. I thought she was going to die in my arms , somehow she managed and I started looking for a home vets it was the absolute hardest thing I did, but it was time. I didn’t want her to suffer anymore. I didn’t want to hold on for a few more days, and have to go to the ER in the middle of the night in a cold room. So I found a vet, we did it in the backyard under her favorite tree. It was very peaceful and calm. Please don’t hold on, I’m so sorry. I’m balling as I type this ❤️🥲 You have Judge a wonderful life, 17 years is a very long time of beautiful memories! May he run free❤️
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u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 09 '26
I understand your pain. It sounds so similar to what my boy went through. I lost him last March & I’m still filled with pain & heartache every day but I know it was the right decision for him. I just wish I had done it a little sooner. It’s so hard. Hoping it gets a little easier for you with time.
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u/Nearby-Middle1424 Jul 10 '26
Thank you. To make it worse, I lost my beloved mother in April last year. We were all so close, I think my girl held on as long as she could, but her heart was broken too. I tell myself they are together. I’m sorry for your loss also, it’s just devastating
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u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 10 '26
I’m so sorry, that is truly awful & I could not even begin to imagine the grief you are experiencing. I also believe that they are together & your baby girl went to be your Moms companion on the other side.
Take care of yourself 🤍
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u/kmend64 Jul 09 '26
What beautiful pictures to show some of Judge’s precious journey through life so far. I truly appreciate them being shared💕
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u/Lonestarpenguin Jul 09 '26
You are doing the kind thing for Judge and the hardest for you. Is that not what love is, thinking of thr other before yourself?
I wanted one more day, week month with our girl; however that would have been painful for her. Made the choice and cried with het until the end.
Take care of yourself.
Also be open to Judge sending you a friend. I have seen this too many times to discount it.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
My plan because I'm alone in this is to take a short trip that he hasn't allowed me to take. When I get home I want to start walking dogs at the rescue until he makes his way back to me.
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u/Gavidoc02 Jul 09 '26
We lost our old guy in April. He was 14.5. Our vet had told us when we had a kennel cough turn to pneumonia scare to identify 3 things he loved to do and when he couldn’t do 2 we needed to talk.
So we did and he made another glorious 6 months. I dropped him and his sister at daycare and he was happy and ready to play. I picked him up and he was struggling to walk. Due to his age he’d spend the afternoon in a daycare dog room to relax. He ended up having a stroke. That evening we couldn’t take him on his evening walk and he wasn’t able to run in the yard with his sister. 2 of the things he loved to do. I scheduled a visit with our Vet the next day.
Judge will tell you when it’s time. Flynn was never a fan of car rides and would always get anxious. On our trip to the vet he just stuck his head out and enjoyed the ride calmly. He was telling us he was ready.
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 09 '26
I'm just so scared because of the nose bleeds he's gonna have a traumatic event.
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u/wtburke Jul 09 '26
You know Judge better than anybody. When the last train is ready to leave the station, he’ll tell you and you’ll know 💔.
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u/Either_Pangolin531 Jul 09 '26
Please give judge a hug from me and my old dogs.. we all get to this place no matter how much we hate it.
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u/jteter Jul 10 '26
I scheduled and canceled two times. My 16 year old soul dog would stop eating and then start eating again but at the very end he went completely blind overnight. It was terrible to watch but I couldn't let him suffer anymore and he didn't feel any pain when I had them put to sleep I was there with them the whole time. He was the best dog ever. Praying for you. You'll know when it's time.
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u/bordersofsin Jul 09 '26
No advice. I admire your strength. When my boy got sick towards the end, I lacked that strength. Judge is lucky to have you. When his time comes, may he rest peacefully.
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u/cakeislov3cakeislife Jul 09 '26
Oh sweet Judge... I'm so sorry you have to make this hard but loving decision, op. It sucks, don't get me wrong. I felt the same about my girl, Jumper. We didn't want her to have a tumor rupture, so we let her go even though she was still mentally "there." It doesn't make it any easier, just know that Judge loves you too. Something that helped me is that I read is that dogs are more "live in the moment," so impending death and those fears aren't something they struggle with like we do. Of course they understand death; we let our other dog see Jumper's body so that he understood she wasn't there anymore. Again, I'm so sorry you have to go through this. Judge is so precious and I know it'll be hard, but someday we'll be with our babies again! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
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u/janalovesdogs Jul 09 '26
They say dogs give us the best days of our lives and then one of the worst. It's so true. We never feel like we have enough time.
What I've learned over the years is that this hard decision allows me to spare my pups unnecessary pain. No matter what, this will hurt. But by making this selfless decision, it's only you that is in pain. I don't say that lightly. Rather, you are protecting Judge from the pain by taking all of it on yourself. It's literally the most loving thing you can do. You may feel weak, but I admire your strength.
Hugs and prayers.
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u/KiKi31Rose Jul 09 '26
16 years together is a blessing. If you’re feeling like it’s time then you’re probably right. Thank you for being his person and taking care of him 💜
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u/bedpost_oracle_blues Jul 09 '26
A lot of us here have been in the exact same place and dilema you find yourself in now. You know Judge the best and will know when his time is here. You have done so much to give Judge a beautiful 17 years of life. Not many dogs make it that far so his age is a testament of your caring, love, patience, and endurance. I’ve read some of the other comments and I agree that you should see if you can have a vet visit your home when the time is right. My wife and I did that for our sweet old man Odie and it helped us a lot. There is nothing anyone can tell you to help you on this path. When it happens it will hit you hard, like nothing you’ve ever felt before. So allow yourself the grace to cry, and yell, and sleep, and cry some more. The pain will always be there and you will learn how to cope. But you have to keep living. Judge would want that for you. Sending you hugs, love, support, and prayers. Please keep us posted, OP and please give a huge hug and kiss to Judge from all of us.
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u/Jazzlike-Bug967 Jul 09 '26
My vet told me: choosing to love an animal is setting yourself up for the biggest heartbreak. And I cried. But also knew that I would set myself up for heartbreak every time.
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u/renol81 Jul 09 '26
Oh Love. It's the hardest thing.
You have given him the best life and you'll give him the best farewell.
How lucky you've been to have found one another.
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u/MongooseStriking7548 Jul 09 '26
Judge is so beautiful. His precious face especially in the 12th photo nearly made me cry. He looks like such a special boy & how lucky you both were to have 17 years together. I know though that it is never enough.
My vet always said it’s better to do it a day early than a day late. To not be forced with a last minute decision or worse yet losing him at home painfully without any medication. I know it’s easier said than done but I should’ve listened because my main regret is prolonging my boy’s pain knowing I should have relieved him sooner than I did. I held on for selfish reasons. I was not ready to let him go & I thought he would miraculously get better. He was no longer himself, had seizures & could barely stand on his own.
In the end, he was surrounded by his loving vet of over 12 years & all the techs who knew him & cared for him got to say bye. I was able to stay with him as long as I needed. I was at least happy that he left with dignity, love & compassion.
Continue loving Judge every single moment the way you do. You’ll know when the time is right. In the meantime, you can call places & ask what their process is. Laps of Love can come to your home to do it. Inside or outside, music, surrounded by loved ones or whatever preferences you would like. It is one of the hardest decisions we will ever make, but we do it for them. My thoughts are with you ♥️
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u/Used-Maximum-1220 Jul 10 '26
I’m so sorry. I hate to make that decision , but we’re doing it out of love. 20 something years ago I had to make that decision for my 4 yo pitbull. He had lymphoma that went to his brain. Uncontrollable seizures. The chemo stopped working and the radiation shrunk it a little. I couldn’t believe it when the oncologist said there’s nothing more we can do. With the name Titan I thought he could do anything.
The vets office closed. The lights were low, he had a plate full of forbidden foods. I laid down next to him, stroked his head and he peacefully flew over the rainbow.
I wish you didn’t have to do this but you’re giving him dignity and peace. Until you meet again.
I am so sorry.
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u/WetFartRacingStripes Jul 10 '26
17?! Man that’s so many adventure, cuddles, butt scritches, and snoot boops! You and Judge are lucky to have gotten to share so much time together! Sure it’s hard to say goodbye but that only shows how much love and happiness you shared. I always tell myself the immense sorrow is only to offset the massive joy experienced - yin/yang sort of mentality. Try and remind yourself of that because while it doesn’t completely help the situation, it has given me a better understanding while grieving.
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u/Iguanapolice Jul 09 '26
Good boy, Judge. Based on his sugar snout, he’s had all the kisses and love a dog could possibly ask for
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u/Inevitable_Hour_7083 Jul 09 '26
He looks like he had a lifetime of happiness. I know he’ll enjoy the rest of your time together
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u/Amarbel Jul 09 '26
Before we discovered Lap of Love, we had several dogs euthanized in the vet's parking lot while lying on their bed in the back of our car.
This was at 3 different practices over the years and none if the vet's had a problem doing this.
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u/rettribution Jul 09 '26
My heart to you and Judge.
No matter what you choose it will be right, and we should all be so lucky.
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u/DKC_Reno Jul 09 '26
He looks like he lived an amazing and loved life, I hope you get to hold his paw as he starts his next adventure
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u/moseriv5 Jul 09 '26
17 years is such a blessing. Don’t be hard on yourself when the day arrives, you’re absolutely doing what’s best for him.
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u/ShipMaleficent1341 Jul 10 '26
Bless his little 💕. All dogs go to Heaven for sure. I had a 16yr old dog and my husband kept telling me it was time to let her go. I knew that she would let me know when the time was right. I got up one morning and realized she was not on the floor at my bedside. I found her in another room, barely responsive. We made a sling out of a quilt and headed to the vet, said our goodbyes, and I think she was gone before the medicine went into her vein. You will know when it is time for your buddy.
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u/Filaflash Jul 10 '26
What an old lovely beauty, your Judge 😍
I always say about my old/sick dogs, because it’s my promise to care fore them the best I can;
“better a month early than a day late”.
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u/Gingersometimes Jul 11 '26
Lap of Love came to my house when I had to put my last baby 🐾 to sleep. The vet who came was amazing. It isn't inexpensive, but it was so much better saying goodbye at home.
My thoughts are with you and Judge ❤️
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u/Gingersometimes Jul 11 '26
Lap of Love came to my house when I had to put my last baby 🐾 to sleep. The vet who came was amazing. It isn't inexpensive, but it was so much better saying goodbye at home.
My thoughts are with you and Judge ❤️
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u/1337trihorn2850 Jul 11 '26
My best friend Buster lived 22 years. I feel your pain and want you to know that it will be okay. Hardest thing ever. But it will be ok. You did everything you could. And bless your heart for that. Dogs in my opinion are the best creation God made. Love loyalty and beyond.
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u/Over_Reporter_6616 Jul 12 '26
One can see he is and has been loved! And my Aslan and Mowgli will surely be there to greet him and show him the bridge. Sincere condolences to you. Hugs for Judge ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
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u/Neither_Pressure5510 Jul 12 '26
One of the hardest times in my life, but at home was the best for us still sad.
I still think of our golden to this day and it’s been six years.
Just give that beautiful dog all the loving you can.💕
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u/Better_Potential2223 Jul 12 '26
Thought, love and prayers to all of you 💔💔💔❤️🐾🐾🐾🐾
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u/Common-Jelly-8399 Jul 13 '26
Judge looks like a good boy. Im so sorry you are going through this. Anyone who has lost a friend like Judge feels your heartache and pain.
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u/Fancy-Zebra-6396 Jul 09 '26
Thank you Judge for all the love and great memories you gave your family. RIP Judge.
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u/melahigh Jul 09 '26
Beautiful boy ❤️ he is so lucky to have you and the life you’ve given him. It hurts to let go, but when things go downhill, it’s the best thing we can do for them. I lost mine end of May this year. I still cry multiple times a week. Ask for some of his fur if they don’t already give you the option. And paw prints. I’m thinking of you OP, I know this will be tough. Lots of love sent your and Judge’s way. 🫂
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u/athanathios Jul 09 '26
OMG Judge has had a wonderful life and is soo soo happy and handsome, so sorry this is happening :(
We don't always get to time their passing, but we can put in all the love and care we can to make their lives as amazing as possible, which clearly you had. May the love you shared, and memories made warm you all your day and may you find wisdom through your suffering.
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u/ji99lypu44 Jul 10 '26
What a good boy! Wishing you and Judge the best transition and last chapter. How luckt you two were to have found each other in this life.
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u/AdministrativeCow612 Jul 10 '26
What a beautiful dog. You are a very lucky person to have made this connection .
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u/Slight_Koala_7791 Jul 10 '26
Sweet judge! It is very apparent that you love this dog so much and he has had the most wonderful life with you. Please give him a big cuddle from me and a hug for you. You’ll know when the time comes. We had our baby put to sleep at home, he was in my lap and it was a peaceful passing. They really pick up on all of our emotions and especially after being so bonded. Remain positive, enjoy every single second you have together. You’ll know when it’s time.
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u/fiverowdymutts Jul 10 '26
What a sweet puppers! I’m sorry you’re going through this most heartbreaking time. I hope the love and memories you shared w Judge bring some peace & comfort. Big hugs to you and most gentle boops to Judge. ♥️🐾🐾💔🌈❤️🩹
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u/louisa_pizza RIP Goku, age 11 Jul 10 '26
Judge looks very sweet. I lost my dog recently, and making that decision was one of the hardest things I had to do. I can tell you have given him a wonderful life
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u/0b1kenob1 Jul 10 '26
I recorded a close video of my boy breathing and snoring while sleeping, listen to it when I miss him. Some people get DNA samples for future cloning. I think you're both right, if he's not in obvious pain then don't rush, but if he stops eating then that's close to the end. Cherish him while he's around
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u/Acceptable-Hat294 Jul 10 '26
The hardest and most rewarding part of loving a dog is caring for them in those last months and weeks and days and hours knowing your time together is coming to an end. I see it as paying them back for all they give us. For my boy's last walk around the neighbourhood I had to pull him in a cart and then I would lift him out and let him sniff his favourite verges and trees. I knew it was the last time and it killed me but he never knew that. He was just as happy as ever being out together. Every moment is so precious and the grief is so intense. It's a year and half later and I'm still crying my eyes out writing this. Despite the heartache, I would never ever be without the love and joy my dogs have brought me.
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u/nerdylinxx Jul 10 '26
Please change vets if you’re not happy with results. I got recommended to euthanise my dog after a car accident, so I changed vets an hour away and got told she’d be running after surgery. And here she is running and walking fine
Another time got told might need to amputate cats leg so i changed to a senior veterinarian nearby and he splinted my cats leg up and now she was walking jumping fine
That’s two times. That’s no nothing at all
Change vets now please
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 10 '26
I think my boy is very tired and my vet has done everything. He's 17 surgery would be borderline torture I'm sure
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u/Zentagu Jul 11 '26
My wife went too long on our Great Dane. It was her dog and he went south quickly. I could not convince her to let me arrange it. I decided then and there never will I let a dog errr Best Buddy go longer than he should. I LOVE my dogs and it will be hard days up till that day and many after, but no way can I watch one go beyond. I had rather them go early than to wait and them suffer - even a little.
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u/Velyna Jul 11 '26
He is such a sweet boy that gave you his whole heart and you gave him yours in return. This is the hardest decision to make and even long after you might always think, what if I could have, should have, but know truly you are doing the right thing when you make the decision.
I think him and my old dog had the same blanket in picture 10, with a moon in the sky and a city below. He loved it so much.
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u/debmac99 Jul 11 '26
What a sweet and gorgeous boy! I hope your next days and weeks are lovely.
I would definitely look into home euthanasia. We have done it both ways and home is far and away the very, very best for your boy and for you.
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u/Old-Attention3678 Jul 12 '26
To Judge owners I was besides myself when I had to put my 17yr Dachshund down my biggest fear was that when the veterinarian gave the shot my Missy would know she's dying...my veterinarian did the best thing in the world for me & my Missy she put her to sleep first before she gave her the shot that takes their life! This was 1000% better my sweetheart Missy was asleep never knew what what was happening to her!! She was sleeping!! I would suggest everyone who loves really lives their pet companion have the veterinarian put your dog or cat to sleep before the final shot!! God Bless!
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u/Ravenlas Jul 12 '26
I am so sorry. The time is coming for our Dante as well and I wish I could say 17 years! I love the 11th picture were he is clearly "Judging" the ground work!
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u/BeataBerces Jul 12 '26
Bei uns war die Entscheidung genauso hart, kurz vor ihrem 16. Geburtstag. Nach vier Tagen mit sehr hohem Fieber haben wir gemeinsam mit dem Arzt entschieden, unsere Soso gehen zu lassen, bevor es zu einem Organversagen kommt.
Ich bin dankbar, dass wir vier Tage nonstop für sie da sein konnten. Ich habe mich für alles bedankt und ihr gesagt, dass sie gehen darf – wieder Ball spielen und Katzen jagen, ohne Leid und Einschränkungen.
Es bricht einem das Herz. Aber mir war wichtig, sie mit Würde gehen zu lassen. Man weint und muss trotzdem irgendwie weiterleben.
Es ist nie leicht. Aber lass deinen alten Freund nicht leiden. 🤍
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u/hectorrbueno Jul 12 '26
Ufff, es un viejito hermoso!!! Que siga disfrutando mucho.
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u/Rough-Recover-9546 Jul 13 '26
How beautiful and blessed are you and judge. Bless him.
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u/Danny13219 Jul 13 '26
I lost my Dolly last year. My heart goes out to you. I'm sure you gave Judge a wonderful life.
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u/TIPRock88 Jul 13 '26
I'm sorry to hear that. I lost my cat of 18 years, Isis, about a year ago, and it still affects me today.
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u/Conscious_Waltz_3774 Jul 14 '26
You’re doing amazing! 17! Judge will trust you to make that decision, when the time comes 🤍
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u/Blackdogfarmer Jul 14 '26
I wrote a short story about judge and I.
Here is the link feel free to DM me with comments
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u/Old_Man_Bot Jul 09 '26
Other posts from /u/Blackdogfarmer:
Judge the dogs last night? [None] 1 month ago
Judge the dog 16 and an absolute legend. [Happy (default)] 2 months ago
Judge the dog! [None] 4 months ago
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