Is it time to put my Sheltie to sleep?

[wolfsoul]

This definatly sounds like senility to me. I would talk to your vet and see what kinds of medications or supplements there are to improve your dog's mental acuity.

[CWEST11334]

To All:

Thank you for all your helpful suggestions...

The general consensus is that we should visit the vet, which we will do on Friday, and then make a decision. Many of the suggestions in terms of vitamins/medicines, etc. we are already have been doing for some time in order to make her life better and keep her in less pain.

In terms of her hip/cartiledge...only a very painful operation could be performed...and may cause a "lower quality of life" then she currently has. I doubt that she could endure this type of operation...and would fear that after the resulting operation it would be no better, so I doubt that we'll go this way.

If, after visiting the Vet a determination is made to put her to sleep, then what we'll do is give her a very nice meal last meal Friday night with all her favorite types of food then take her back on Saturday...and then probably have her creamated after letting her go (I'll personally be right by here side petting her if she'll let me, while the vet administers the drugs, so she won't be scared in her final moments...it's the least I can do for her for all the warmth and comfort she has provided).

To AllAmericanPup:

She (Sasha, the Sheltie) does have an overactive thyroid and has been on this medication for many years (since it was discovered by the vet). She also has been on glucosamine tablets for a few years, as well as a high potency multi-vitamin tablet. We have "Trader Joes" out here in Washington and have found both the glucosamine tablets and multi-vitamin tablets to be very good as well as economical.

To IRescue452:
I agree with you 100%. If the life of a dog degrades to the point where she is in constant pain, then it is better to allow her to die rather then prolong her life.

To lv4dogs:

I agree that it's hard when dogs get older, especially with a dog like Sasha. She has been the "perfect" dog for me and family, and a great comfort. For instance when someone in the family is sick or upset, she'll come over and "cuddle" into you trying to make you feel better. It's a hard decision, but we are going to visit the Vet on friday, and then we'll make the decision.