Dog's last request?

I’d take him somewhere outside near where you live. My friends had a golden lab that was fading fast, so they took him to a lake in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, near their house, where he could be in the sun and lie on the grass. And he could see the ducks he liked to chase.

A couple days later he was in such bad shape they had him put down to end the sufferingt.

Please indulge him shamelessly. Let him climb on all the furniture. Feed him whatever and whenever he wants (his weight and long-term health are no longer relevant). If he asks for a walk, get up and take him outside. Make that 2-hour trip to the forest; although he can walk for only ½ hour, he’ll enjoy the car ride and cherish being with you for so long. Do the family picnic, which sounds wonderful. Every chance you get, pat him gently, talk softly, and tell him how much you love him.

If you do these things, you’ll ease your own pain.

By the way, DO NOT feed him any chocolate. Chocolate is poison to dogs. Your goal is to give him as much comfort and pleasure as possible, not to make him sick and compound his suffering. Instead, provide plenty of that Thai chicken in green curry and other (non-toxic) foods that he enjoys.

My male dog wouldn’t eat on his last night. I knew that was a bad sign. I fed him out of my hand and he ate all of his food. They would always eat out of my hand. It was a mix of canned and dry. He died during the night. But I know he went out with a full belly.

Perhaps set out a buffet of formerly forbidden foods that won’t hurt him, like a part of the Thanksgiving turkey, or a rib roast, a vanilla birthday cake, some fried chicken and a small saucer of light beer; then allow him to devour the lot with no scolding.

I am so sorry. This is really difficult.

I always have the vet come to the house or meet him/her somewhere away from the office because none of my dogs have ever been fond of the vet’s office. I give them their last meal of steak and let them have the bone and everything. I always have the other dogs there and they all share a bit. Then I hold their paw until they are gone.

I think a walk in his favorite place is appropriate, even if he can’t go very far. Dogs are so smart, they love the simple things and a walk always seems to make them happy.

Here is a poem I love and always makes me feel better when the time comes. It seems very appropriate based on your question.

Before I Go

Before I grow too frail and weak,
And all that’s left is peace in sleep.

I know you’ll do what must be done
To end this fight that can’t be won.

I don’t fear death as humans do,
So let me try to comfort you.

Come, let’s take a quiet stroll
And share some time, soul to soul.

No need for words ‘tween you and I,
No need to say a last Good-bye.

We’ve grown so close in mind and heart,
It seems so cruel that we must part.

Be sure I’ll sense the pain you’ll feel,
Without me walking at your heel.

The days will seem full of despair,
Your “Sunshine” simply won’t be there.

In time the pain will slowly wane,
You’ll think of me and smile again.

Now take me where my needs they’ll tend
And stay with me until the end.

Hold me close with soft Good-byes
Until life’s bright light has left my eyes.

The final sound I need to hear
Is your soft voice upon my ear.

Your loving face will fade and dim
As the rush of heaven closes in.

And when you start your journey home,
I’ll be right behind, you are not alone.

Anon.

And for me the best way to mend a broken heart is to find a new dog to love asap!

@rooeytoo Beautiful poem but all too sad. Made me cry like a baby.
@RocketGuy Thanks for your post. My doctor said my dog has maybe a year, so some of these suggestions are great.

Do what you can to show your dog the love you feel and your gratitude for his life and how he has enriched yours. Giving him food he loves and digests easily is excellent. Treats that might make him feel sick would be no kindness. If outings please him, by all means go out with him and play his favorite games. These things are more valued than unfamiliar activities.

Enjoy each other as long as his life, on balance, brings him more pleasure than discomfort. Make his needs your priority and you will have no regrets.

So sorry to hear about your dear friend.

If there’s one thing I have learned from dogs, it’s that:

♥ they live in the moment—meaning every second of that 2 hr car ride will be taken in. If his health doesn’t support such a long journey, pick a spot closer to home rich with scents.

♥ they are social—and until he’s ready to withdraw, he will push himself to be an active part of your pack. Dogs often push through pain, in an effort to keep up.

♥ actions speak louder than words—yes, I know some dogs can talk, but seriously – watch him closely. In his last months and weeks check out his environment and routines through his eyes, and simplify as needed. This may mean a softer or warmer bed, closer to you at night, a second comfy place near the door or beneath a sunny window, more frequent bathroom breaks, etc. Also, if he’s on meds those may dictate changes in thirst and digestion. A shoulder rub here… a book read aloud there… quiet moments shared together each day you have… these will all bring happiness beyond words.

♥ Kodak moments. Lots of them. If you can, take video. Take them along the way to new and old favorite places. Take them on ordinary days. Take them of you together. And with friends. It’s never too late. Oh, and B&W is very kind to senior pets!

♥ Man’s Best Friend – and surely with 14 years on the planet he has lots. Celebrate his life with them. Have them over for walks or dinner. As much as geography allows, take him on field trips to visit those further away. It will stir beautiful memories for both of you.

hugs

As far as food… thumbs down to the chocolate. I would advise against waiting for the epic last dinner to spoil him, as appetite diminishes greatly when dogs are in their last moments. Instead, give him a variety of foods you know he enjoys and digests well now and in the days to come.

Have you read Jon Katz?

@syz – that is wonderful. Have you read the whole book? If it is as touching as that excerpt, it would take a lot of tissues to get through it! Thanks for sharing.

My old boy just wanted to be held and loved on, got plenty of attention, food, laying in the sun, and I even lifted him onto our big bed and lifted him down (made him happy), and I do recommend you take a few pics of the ‘family/ pack”, it does help a lot, or it did with us.
So sorry for your upcoming loss.

@rooeytoo Dang it, water keeps leaking out of my eyes, too.

Yeah, my dog knows all about seats in front of a camera on a tripod. He is usually first to get himself seated for a group pic.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will do the outing as soon as my Help-Me-Up harness arrives. This will allow longer walks. Also will go with more people food, but light on milk products.
His ears still perk up, so he still has some time.

A big juicy rib roast with the bone… all for himself.