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Originally Posted by lizbud
That was my thoughts/concern too.
It's the condition of the dog she has, the way she described it, that had me concerned. It wasn't my intention to make anyone feel guilty over a new dog, that part doesn't matter to me and is her decision, whether she gets a new dog now, later, never, or whenever it's her choice.
I totally understand how you feel. If I had different living conditions, I would have had another dog probably in early 2005. But, my living conditions, and the way I felt about Duke, wouldn't let me. In my case, I was wanting another dog for reasons for me. For making it easier when Duke did pass. That wouldn't have been fair to him. In your case, it's different. If Nicki need more companionship that might make her happier, that would be great. I would take the dogs being considered to the house to meet Nicki, if possible, before choosing one. I wish Nicki's pain could be relieved. Like I told you, it breaks my heart to hear that she's not doing well. Please hug her until you're tired of doing so. Those would be from me.
Good luck with the adoptions... I hope you find the perfect pup for you and Nicki... or not, depending on your decision.
No one can be a better judge of what's right for Nicki than you. You obviously love her a lot, and I'm positive your decision about adopting another dog will be in her/your best interest. I'm really sorry that Nicki isn't doing well.
Folks... please remember Nicki is 13 years old. The vet understands that and is aware at her age a few things can't happen: 1) surgery. She wouldn't survive it. so why tests for things that would ultimately need surgery? 2) If she did have something serious, there's nothing we can do other than make her as comfortable as we can, which is what we're already doing.
Now, the reasons why I feel another dog is what she needs.... she "lights up" (if dogs can light up) when she sees Gracie. She wants to play. She wags her tail a mile a minute. She has been depressed since Cameron left and her arthritis has gotten worse since Cam left. Its as if she doesn't want to do anything so not moving has made her stiffer and more sore. She was very active when Cam was here (as active as a 13 year old girl can be) and since he left, all she does is sleep. I know that finding a buddy for her will mean a great deal to her and possible be what ultimately extends her life.
As for her pain. Its merely arthritis. Like my mom said "would you put me down because MY arthritis medicine wasn't cutting MY soreness?" And truth is, mom's meds AREN'T cutting her pain. She has tried several types and dosages and they're not working for her. Why should I put Nicki down if thats the worst of her problems? YES, she has mammoth size fatty tumors. The vet still isn't concerned about them because they aren't interfering with any major organs, bones, or muscle groups. YES she's been eating and drinking more lately.... like I already stated, my vet finds it fruitless to run a bunch of expensive tests that won't reveal anything that can be fixed.
Believe me, if she were even 8 years old, I'd be running the tests and not considering the expense. Look what I did for Pouncer. Most people would have just put him down rather than getting him the surgery. I will do whatever is necessary for my pets after I consider all facts. Tests on a dog halfway through her life... go do them all! Tests on a dog who is within months of her passing? Are you kidding? Why put her through it? You have no idea how stressed she gets going to the vet. Just the car ride freaks her out. Why put her through something that won't mean anything in the end? What would we do different if she did have diabetes? Shove yet another pill down her throat and extend her life by a week? And many of you are saying I'm being unfair letting her live in pain now?
Thank you to all of you who gave me wonderful words of support and encouragement. The above rant certainly does not apply to you. ((hugs))
Kim i don't know if you believe in alternative medicine or not,I call it complimentary medicine lol, but have you tried any herbal remedies, i can't tell you of any specific one's as i have not tried any myself, but just wondered if any of those might help her pain, i have arthritis myself in my little fingers and it hurts like hell at times,anything might be worth a try eh?
This is a nz website, but i am sure you can get these herbs worldwide.
http://www.brookbyherbs.co.nz
I don't look down on you at all for wanting another dog. I had my dog Zoe for a long time she died at the age of 9 from what we believe was congestive heart failure. When I brought home my puppy Lucy she was a whole other dog. She had never played with another dog before in her life and she played with Lucy. I don't think you are trying to replace her at all. I will always have multiple dogs in my life just because I don't think I could live without at least one dog for a day. Good luck in making your choice..
I dont agree with keeping a dog in pain and you are obviously dealing with your Nicky in the best way you can so I dont really see why that is a issue with others.
I agree with the above poster, We had a puppy around an older dog and its like 2 puppies again. It doesnt aways work out the way people expect it to. I also find its easier to have a loving face to snuggle into when the deaded does eventually happen. I find it helps, it doesn't make a death any easier but having another dog really makes a difference to me.
Both of the dogs are gorgeous, I hope you can give one a happy home
Wow, What some harsh things being said.
I know what your going through Catnapper. I had my RB Tasha.. for 13 yrs. She was 14 when we PTS. When she was about ummmm 8 or so, she stopped being able to walk. I didn't know what was wrong! she was always VERY active.. But, she sat in the spare room.. CRYING.. And wouldn't come to me. I Picked her up.. and Layed her in the room with my mom when I woke her up.. We took her to the vet. They Did Xrays,and found out she had Arthritis in EVERY vertibre in her back. So, they gave her a steroid Shot, and she was on Limited Activity for the rest of her life.. PAHHH Yea.. if anyone knew her, knew that was IMPOSSIABLE! He told me to keep her away from the other dogs, cause if they jumped on her.. it could paralyze her. I didn't care. She wouldn't have been happy that way. So, I figured best thing is to just let her be.. Normal. And if it happened again.. Then. I would go from there. She was alright till we pts. And she had bad days where she couldn't get up and down much.. But that is it. She was a Shep/Greyhound, and LOVED to run and Play tug. Well, One morn I woke up.. and we knew for the year up to it.. it prolly wasn't going to be much longer. And she was more or less my Moms dog.. so I was trying to prepare her for it. And When I woke.. I could tell something wasn't right.. And In a matter of like 5 hrs.. she wasn't walking again! :( So, I Bawled my eyes out.. and told my mom we needed to take her to the vet. Well, we got there..and she got up, and started walking... We were like.. Ok, Maybe she will be ok. So, they gave her a steriod shot.. and said go on home..and see if this helps.. if not.. come back. .and we will talk alternitives.. We went home.. and she got worse. We took her back to the vet, and was told it would cost 5k or more to run tests.. that MAY or MAYNOT find a problem. We don't have that kind of money for a maybe. So, we pts. It was the hardest decision in the world for us! it was the first time I saw my husband cry. But, a week after.. a friend of mine had a dog that needed a home. I took her in. and She comforted my mom more then I had seen in a while. She was very Loving. And very Sweet. We had her about a yr.. and found her the Perfect home. But, the fact that we brought in another dog.. helped my mom cope with the loss of Tasha. It wasn't a Replacement. and I didn't bring her in as a permanent thing.. It was a foster thing.
But the Bottom line is. People tend to get dogs to "replace' there passed dog.. But.. Not everyone. Sometimes getting another makes the adjustment Soo Much easier. And Elderly dogs tend to liven up A LOT with a youngin around. Tasha was NEVER alone. She had a cat the first year with us, and then as time passed, I had fosters, and took in new ones. So, thinking of her being alone wouldn't be something I think she would want. Heck Nicki may like to know that you have someone to comfort you when she is gone. And it may brighten her up as well. I say GOOD FOR YOU! ONLY You will know when it is time!