kikibaugh

I know you feel bad about it, but Chewy is no longer suffering. You made the right decision.
I'm sorry you lost your buddy...hugs.....

I love these ideas. Looks like a Pinterest night to me with shopping tomorrow.

I took Chewy with me to GHS today for a meeting we had. He loved my co-workers. I wanted everyone to meet my sweet puppy since he was having a good day Can't be sad all the time!

You could get some paint and do a paw print and a hand print for each child. Frame it for their room so they can look at it when they think of him. They can remember how happy they where doing something fun with you and him. I would also let them pick something to put in his coffin to keep him company on his trip to heaven when the time comes. Sorry for the stress this must cause you when you are trying to be so strong for him and your kids.

She knows.  beautiful picture, thank you for sharing such a sweet, private moment you had with Chewy and Precious.

I walked into this last night. Precious holding paws with Chewy! She must know something is wrong. She hasn't left his side in days.

My Chewy is pushing 200+ lbs.... He doesn't get on the table at the vet lol Dr Brocious gets down on the floor with him

Please keep us up to date! Best of luck Chewy, hoping for pawsitive news! Hugs to Mommy and Family.....I have been there in those shoes before, I can relate to knowing how the "not knowing" feeling is.

Thanks Chewy and my other dog, Precious are just like 2 more kids lol. Only they don't talk back as much!

My Chewy is pushing 200+ lbs.... He doesn't get on the table at the vet lol Dr Brocious gets down on the floor with him

My Chewy is pushing 200+ lbs.... He doesn't get on the table at the vet lol Dr Brocious gets down on the floor with him

His weight is perfect. He is a full blooded rough coat Saint Bernard. His bone structure is enormous. He actually had to gain a little bit. He has hip dysplasia and arthritis so we have always had to watch his weight. Plus, big dogs like him are at risk for bloat so we always monitor his diet. I know what you mean though!

Thanks I am taking him in Monday. It's really hard like bone. I am thinking maybe it's a partial dislocation. There is no fluid build up and it's staying the same size. He has been staying off of it, poor guy It is right at the joint above his foot. Front left leg. I stayed up late last night and baked him doggie treats to baby him. I am super worried and hope it's nothing serious. I appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone so far Please let me know if you think of anything else!

Thanks I am taking him in Monday. It's really hard like bone. I am thinking maybe it's a partial dislocation. There is no fluid build up and it's staying the same size. He has been staying off of it, poor guy It is right at the joint above his foot. Front left leg. I stayed up late last night and baked him doggie treats to baby him. I am super worried and hope it's nothing serious. I appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone so far Please let me know if you think of anything else!

Not having rabies is a benefit. I am concerned about my dog, not your outdated opinion on immunizations. Thanks.

Not having rabies is a benefit. I am concerned about my dog, not your outdated opinion on immunizations. Thanks.

I appreciate all the input very much. The reason I am unsure is because some days she is still the way she has been for years. Running around the house and playing with my kids. They are 8 and 2 and I have no idea how to explain this to them.
 
But the other days she is usually hiding out under the covers in my bed, not coming out for hours. The accidents have only been a few times a week, usually when she is asleep. She is an Akita, so they shed like crazy in spring and fall. She is shedding but it's not growing back. So she has these bald patches behind her ears and on her back and butt.
 
I am just afraid of making a decision prematurely. She still seems to have good, happy days. So we are going to head to the vet and see what they say. Maybe there are some meds that can make her bad days more comfortable and let her enjoy the holidays with her family?

When you decide the time is right you will want to explain it to them in age appropriate ways. The two year old will not understand it as well as the eight year old. rainbowbridge.com offers the opportunity to create a memorial page and upload photos. I think involving the 8 year old with that project would be great. He/She would not have the attention span to do the whole process but they can chose a photo and see other dogs who crossed over to the rainbow bridge. Again, all in age appropriateness. Also, they will take their cues from you as to how to feel. While it is okay to be somber for awhile, it is also okay to be accepting that they are playing, happy and healthy until we see them again.

I appreciate all the input very much. The reason I am unsure is because some days she is still the way she has been for years. Running around the house and playing with my kids. They are 8 and 2 and I have no idea how to explain this to them.
 
But the other days she is usually hiding out under the covers in my bed, not coming out for hours. The accidents have only been a few times a week, usually when she is asleep. She is an Akita, so they shed like crazy in spring and fall. She is shedding but it's not growing back. So she has these bald patches behind her ears and on her back and butt.
 
I am just afraid of making a decision prematurely. She still seems to have good, happy days. So we are going to head to the vet and see what they say. Maybe there are some meds that can make her bad days more comfortable and let her enjoy the holidays with her family?