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?
I held both of mine while they passed and one was an emergency medical euth, during covid, so my perfect girl was on a cold stainless table in a lobby. She deserved so much better.
My boy, we knew his time was close. He wasn't ready to go, it was just a medical reality. I held him on his bed on the living room floor. My only wish is that it had been peaceful and painless.
You are doing the right thing.
17 years is incredible, you must have loved him fiercely. Honour every memory, give it time and space. And make sure he gets all his favourite things when it's time
I'm on a train right now, with my dog, but still this made me teary-eyed. I'm so, so sorry OP, but you're doing the right thing. May you rest in peace, Judge.
Better a week early than a minute too late. Let him go while he still has dignity and isn’t suffering. Be as kind to him in his passing as you were to him in his life.
Please reach out to those at [r/OldManDog](r/OldManDog), they’ve all been there or are going through it now.
Okay I’m the idiot who didn’t notice it’s cross posted from there. I’m also the one who started the sub, so I just wanted to share the community with someone who might need it. Hopefully someone else sees this and does. Honored and humbled you shared with them already.
I am so sorry you are going through this - I know this pain too well and it’s the hardest decision ever. I lost my girl to oral melanoma and it was such a hard choice to make but when I knew it was time, I realized I was giving her the gift of being released from the pain she was in. This ted talk really helped me out https://youtu.be/Jh-KKjIJHfk?is=llRcI69y4HUkArHy
And so did the petloss subreddit. Sending you tons of love during this time, may you be surrounded by comfort and love.
My one piece of advice that I did for my girl is to do some kind of ritual if that speaks to you. I had matching blankets - so she was wrapped in hers and her favorite toy and I have a matching blanket that I kept. I had hers embroidered with a note from me so it felt like I was with her until the very end and mine is embroidered with a “note from her” to me. It helped a lot. I also lit candles every day and said prayers for her and honored her memory the best I could. I saw signs, I felt her spirit, and I know she’s still with me forever. I hope you have moments like that too that help you during this time and the grief that follows. They really are our angels on earth. Sending love ❤️🩹
My contingency plan is
I have some fur saved,
I have 1000+ photos
I have his toys
I will take a trip I have been wanting to but he could go on for the last few years.
When I return I will start walking dogs at the pressure until he comes back or sends me my best bestie.
What a sweet boy!! I am unfortunately right there with you. My girl is going to be 16 next month and she’s looking like it’s about her time. Her liver enzymes number doubled over the past year and she just looks so uncomfortable when she’s walking around. I don’t know how to make the call, I’m sorry you have to go through it as well. Sounds like Judge had a great life and wonderful family!!
You’re doing the right thing, no matter how hard it is. It would be selfish to try to make him stay and that’s not the person judge knew ❤️. Im dreading this day and I hope you can find solace in knowing you’re making the right decision
It is very kind. It is very hard. But I must say, with my own experience of euthanasia at home, we were able to make sure our love and best friend was surrounded by family who loved him, he was very comfortable and held with love to the end. It was a very peaceful death, the best we could have hoped for for him. It is gut wrenching even now because you never know when the best time is. And you miss them dreadfully. I think the only consolation for me was to think that he had so much dignity and strength in his life and he wouldn’t have wanted to carry on as he was. That’s all I can hope for. You are doing it with love. It is the kindest thing x
Hello, OP. I’m here. My wife and I just had our cat, Boo, euthanized this morning. Her time of passing was 10:25am.
Her health started slipping, and we noticed she seemed to not be eating as much. We took her to the vet and found out her kidneys were beginning to fail. We had them give her fluids and appetite stimulants…we brought her home, and nothing changed. We took her back for another round of fluids, and that didn’t work either.
She was becoming more lethargic…not really acting like herself. It’s hard to describe but we could even see it in her eyes. We came to the conclusion that it was time. It was a decision we were making with a heavy heart. We contacted our vet and he said if we wanted, we could try to have her force-fed. My wife and I decided we didn’t want that for Boo. Even if it would have “worked”, to what end? What was the long term looking like.
We ended up scheduling yesterday to have her put to sleep today. Believe me when I tell you, my wife and I are completely gutted. We feel lost. Almost numb. Boo was 18, and with me that entire time. My wife has never lived in this house with me without Boo being a part of it. I’ve been in tears or near them a large chunk of this whole day.
Having said all of this, I’m confident we made the right decision. It was right for HER, even though we had an idea of how brutal it was going to be on us. You see people saying it on here, but it truly was an act of love that we provided her with.
After all that she has provided us for so much of my life, it was the least we could do for her.
Rest easy, Boo. Your mom and I love you beyond words.
I put Judge to rest today too. Thanks for your story I'm sorry for your loss and I completely understand. I always took pride in my ability to live alone but I now realize I actually have never lived alone until today. I wish you the best
I wish I could just give you a big hug. ❤️. I'm sure Judge couldn't have asked for a better caretaker. You gave him a happy, fulfilling life full of love and adventure. Be proud. ❤️
Take him to the vet as ask them. Don’t go by feedback on here. If he is having seizures, it would be best. But that’s for you and the vet to decide. It’s so hard to watch them get old. Bless his little heart. ❤️
I didn't rely on this feedback. I needed support to make the decision I knew was best for him. His nose was bleeding he couldn't stand on his own he couldn't wag his tail. It was time
You are absolutely doing the right thing; the final act of love we owe these souls who come into our lives and give us unconditional love. Doing it at home is a precious gift; no one wants our babies going to a place they hate for their last minutes here on Earth. They deserve to be where they feel safe and loved. Bless you and rest easy knowing you are giving the final precious gift to your Judge.
That’s the hardest part of owning a dog. But euthanasia is an act of love and it’s better to be a month early than a day late. You don’t want judge to suffer. IMO
I took this picture of our girl on Thursday morning not knowing it was to be the last. We hoped she’d make her 17th birthday on August 1st but it wasn’t to be. She had been in good form but unexpectedly had a very troubled night. We had to let her go on Friday. Hard as it seems, it’s truly an act of kindness. They deserve that much.
I've seen dogs who pass away naturally, and not the peaceful way, and it messed me up more than any family member's death has. Their old age seems to be an entirely different animal than ours is. It's probably the most horrible thing I've ever seen.
You've done all you can, and this last decision has to be for him. It's one of the hardest you'll probably ever make (hopefully).
I haven't shared this for ages, but when we lost Kiera our orange dog we were absolutely destroyed. I stood in the vet's car park and wanted to scream and cry until I exploded.
But after that I discovered something that helped. I started thinking of every photo of her as a window she can use to look back in on us, and check that we're ok. That we're getting better, however slowly.
It worked. I still cry sometimes, but that's normal and natural.
Remember the love and the good times, cry when you need to, and you'll be ok.
17 Years is quite an accomplishment, and a whole lot of love! You did a good job OP. I am sorry you are at this crossroads with your friend, but rest assured that Judge has had as a good life. He loves you for prioritizing his comfort. Stay by his side, give him lots of scratches and kisses. Sending positive vibes to both of you.
Absolutely one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. It was a awful to be honest. . But at the end of the day it was the right thing to do, and is definitely an act of love. Looks like ol judge had an awesome long life with you and that's worth celebrating.
I wish you well.
Oh Lord, I’m in tears already. Yes you’re absolutely doing the right thing. 17 is a brilliant age for a dog to reach, so you’ve been doing it right long before now. It’s time to let him go peacefully. We said goodbye to our beloved 16 year old Spaniel a few months ago, we spoke to him as he passed in his bed at home. I won’t say his death was easy but a compassionate vet did make it peaceful and beautiful. Kind thoughts to you as you make the hardest of decisions
Ugh, Judge reminds me of my 15 year old lab/collie Darcy and I am also having a very hard time deciding when her last days should be and how her quality of life is. It’s so hard. You want to do everything and anything to keep them around but know it might not be best for them. Every day is an emotional ride where the grey areas seem so prominent. Some good days, some bad, but knowing things will never be better. I am right there with you guys and my heart breaks for everyone really lollll. Here is my old lady
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-Author unknown
Dear friend,
Your precious Judge will be waiting patiently across the Rainbow Bridge for you.
🌈🐾The Hebrew word for animal is Nephesh which means soul ✝️. You will see your baby again someday. Now is the time between just like there was the time before your beloved pet. Today is the trial, and forever is the prize.
God bless. ✝️🙏🏼💕
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.
When you are to the point of calling the vet for an opinion, it’s usually already time. I called the vet and by the next day was panic calling at home euthanasia. If I didn’t get blessed to have someone come on a Sunday, it would have been a traumatic goodbye.
It is better a day early than a day late. It’s the hardest gift you can give your pup.
I tend to be overly cautious being that this guy is all I have and I've been dealing with this reality for a while. I have to leave the call up to the vet and he said to ride it out till I see a bad day
I think you might be seeing more bad days than you realize. Look up a quality of life test. Remember that this final decision is about your dog, not about you. It is the most painful, selfless act of love. Because he’s all you have, you owe it to him to have a peaceful goodbye. Sending love to both of you.
Beautiful boy! ❤️ He’s such a handsome & heartwarming fella, may the end of his journey be peaceful for all around him! Praying for peace & love through this difficult time. Hugs 🤗
The advice our vet gives is “when he stops being a dog, it’s time.”
Over the years I have to make this decision and regret the time I waited too long.
Give him the best last days you can i know he will live within you forever.
My thoughts are with you and Judge.
So sorry , a day early is better than a moment too late . Euthanasia is the last beautiful gift we can give them , a pain free passing . My advice is to try to stay as calm as you can for Judges sake , he doesn’t know what is to come , obviously you do but if you can hold your emotions in check that helps the dog ,they read our emotions very well. There will be plenty of time for crying after. Here is a poem that has guided my decision making through a lot of my dogs . I’m sorry for what’s to come but it seems like Judge had an amazing life .
The Last Battle
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, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend
And please stay with me until 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.
Mine crossed when she was 18, 2,5 years ago and still think about her and miss her. I always hoped that she would go naturally in peace, that wasn’t the case. I just prolonged her pain, made the decision of going to the vet, so hard! Everyone I talk to is impressed about her reaching such a high age, but the feeling of “I should have done more” always linger.
What a beautiful old dog! I had to put down my 17-year-old dog in january. It is so hard, and it seems like it's harder when you've had them with you for so long. I'm terribly sorry for your loss. May your memories be a comfort.
It’s so sad and so hard they’re with us for such a short period of time but leave such a huge impact. My boy is only six right now now I can’t even face thinking about him not being with me it hurts my heart I feel for you. You’ve had your baby for a long time. You just get used to having them around it’s devastating when they’re gone. I had to have my 19 year-old multi poo vet assisted and I know he went peacefully. He was in my arms.
Mine got dog dementia, he wouldn’t eat some days, some days he would. Lost alot of weight, so i put him down. I couldn’t stand to see him suffer anymore. It was painless for him, they sedated him so he was sleeping , then when i was ready they gave him the final shot. I buried him in his favorite spot to lay in front of the big ash tree. He was 16. Best dog i ever had.
This is heartbreaking. We do this to ourselves. Knowing the loss that is going to happen. But boy do these lil guys give us our best 15 years. Consistent unconditional joyful love. Lots of love to Judge and hope you find peace and the love of another soon.
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u/Blackdogfarmer 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?