Bunny - think she needs help to go to Rainbow Bridge

[Juneysmom]

Bunny has not been doing well in the last three days or so. Bunny can’t find her way inside except for maybe 1 out of 5 times she goes out. The temperatures are increasing here and I’m worried that she might find the way outside and not be able to find her way back in.

Bunny has been having trouble walking, where she stumbles a lot. I checked her paws and nails, but everything seems fine.

Inside the house, even though I haven’t moved anything, she seems to run into EVERYTHING and hurting herself.

Bunny has not been able to find her food very well. I actually have to touch her food to her mouth. She doesn’t seem to find the water, either. I have had to touch her mouth to the water, too. I’m worried about dehydration, especially since the high temperatures are coming. Bunny also doesn’t seem to know where the kitchen is anymore. Although she will eat when I give her the food, she doesn’t seem as enthusiastic.

A few months ago, I got a slide-free mat to help keep Bunny from sliding when she ate. In the last few days, even with this mat, when Bunny eats, her feet keep on sliding outwards. I will straighten her out, but she still slides. I thought maybe she couldn’t bend over to eat, so I would hold the saucer up near her mouth so that she wouldn’t slide, but she still does.

Yesterday, she went to sleep at 10:00 a.m. The time went by really fast, and I had to leave for an appointment at noon. I thought that I would be gone for about an hour and that I could feed Bunny when I got home. The appointment took me much longer, yet when I got home, Bunny was still sleeping and had not woken up according to my son.

Juney had heard me and my son talking about Bunny and ran over to Bunny and licked and licked Bunny’s mouth, but Bunny still did not wake up. My son was close to Bunny and tried to wake her up, but it took several minutes before Bunny woke up.

Bunny no longer wakes up in the morning on her own. I have to wake her up.

I am seriously thinking of putting her to sleep. I feel like if I don’t put her to sleep, then I’m being selfish. On the other hand, I feel like if I put her to sleep, then I would be a murderer by putting her to sleep too early. In the past, when I have thought that maybe she needed to be put to sleep, I haven’t ever felt good about it. Today, when I thought about it, I actually felt that it was the right thing to do. Am I horrible for thinking this way?

I am crying and have stomach aches thinking about what to do. I feel so evil. It is horrible.

[yolanda]

You are not evil or bad. You are a loving Mom. It is the right thing for Bunny.

If it were me this is what I would do. Ever if she cannot see or hear I would still do this. She will know what you are saying. Lay on the floor with her look straight at her and tell her you love her and it is ok to let go. Love her this weekend and hold her a lot. On Monday let her go.

I know this is hard but .............. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

I am headed to work but will be home after 11 PM EST call me if you want to talk. 540-809-9361.

Love YA

[Me&DappledDuo]

Evil?! Faye, nonononoNO! You've got NOTHING but Bunny's interest on your mind. You're not doing this for your own convenience, it's not something you haven't put serious thought into, it's not something you haven't been mulling over for awhile. I am 100% confident that you will do EXACTLY what's right for Bunny. You know her like nobody else. She's had a fantastic, long, well-loved life.

I wish I had the answers for you. I haven't been there- I can't offer sage advice. But I, like everyone else- am here for you in anyway I can be. :hugs1:

[roxysmom]

Oh Faye, I don't envy you at all! I know this must be a hard decision for you but I'm sure you will make the right decision for Bunny. Don't worry about "being selfish". It's obvious you love Bunny very much and she has had a great life. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks, go with what your heart tells you. We are all here for you :hugs1:. DBB is the best family/support group ever.

[lotsadox]

Oh, Faye, this is the hardest thing that pet guardians ever have to do. I'm afraid that I'm going to be facing the same situation with Amanda in a short time. You are not evil. You just know that this is the time. That's why you don't feel bad about it. It doesn't sound like Bunny has much quality of life. That's usually my guide. When their quality of life is poor and there's no hope of it getting better then it's usually time. Sending rayz :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and hugs to you. :hugs1: :hugs1:

[Frzframe]

:hugs1: to you and Bunny. We all know how much you love and cherish Bunny and even if it's one of the hardest things you'll have to do, you'll be able to because it's the right thing for her when the time comes.

[Mark]

We know how hard this is. No matter what, it is not gonna be easy. We took a deep breath and, very tearfully, made the decision. I held Wimpy until his little body was still . . . and burst in to tears. We would have had it no other way . . . he was not alone at the end and there were no regrets, in that regard. Yes, of course, we regret having lost him and having to have made that decision . . . but as their guardians, we assume that responsibility.

Our thoughts, prayers and DBB RAYZ are headed your way. :hugs1: :pray: :rayz:

We are all here for you.

[Linsey]

I have never had to experience this, so the best thing I can offer are lots and lots of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and :pray: :pray: :pray: . :hugs1: :hugs1: to you and your family.

[TessieMom]

:hugs1: I understand where you are even though I never had to make the decision. I was ready to let Stinker go and so I gave Stinker permission to go if she wanted and she did on her own. Take care and know that we are here for you,

[Heide]

My heart goes out to you. I know this is such a difficult decision.
But as their loving parents, we have to do what we feel is right for their quality of life.
I am with you 100% whatever your decision.
We are sending mega DBB :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and :hug2: :hug2: :hug2: for the both of you.
Please know that your DBB family is here for you. :hug2:

[PennyLover]

Oh Faye, my heart goes out to you. It's a tough decision, but one that is made with the best interest of Bunny in mind. :hugs1: for you and for Bunny. Just spend as much time with her as you can and know that when the time comes, we are all here for you--standing with you and feeling your pain. :hugs1:

[Pokey's Mom]

I'm not a sage by far, but I can give you my shoulder. I found this poem for my sister when it was time to say goodbye to Max cat. :hugs1:

A Cats Prayer

Treat me kindly my beloved friend,
for no heart in all the world is more grateful for
kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with kicks and blows,
for though I should ignore your cruelty, your
patience and understanding will more quickly teach me
the things you would have me learn.

Speak to me often,
for your voice is the worlds sweetest music
as you must know by the roar of my purr
when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

Feed and water me so that I may stay well
to romp and play and to amuse you with my antics.
It is then that I shall curl up warmly on your lap
and sound my contentment to the world.

And my friend, when I am very old and no longer enjoy
good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts
to keep me going. I am not having any fun.

Please see that my trusting life is taken gently, I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.


-Anonymous

[Juneysmom]

I thank all of you for your replies. I'm going to spend the weekend with Bunny and then talk to the vet on Monday.

Right now, Bunny seems a little better. She has been looking for me more today than usual. When I hold her, she leans really hard into me.

What is really bad is that I get hope where there may not be any.

[KathyM]

My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. :pray: :pray: We had to have our terrier mix euthanized 13 years ago, and our dachshund passed away of heart disease in my arms a year and a half ago. We had to have our 16 and 17 year old cats euthanized in the last year, one with a colon cancer and the other with a malignancy near her heart. We treated them at home as long as we could with IV's, enemas etc. Our vet gave us wonderful advice, to keep a diary of their days. In the begining we were to note things that we felt they enjoyed doing and were significant to their quality of life. Then we kept track of their appetite, if they did things that they enjoyed, like going for a walk or looking out the window, if they enjoyed being pet, how often they wagged their tails, etc. By putting things in writing it helped us to evaluate their quality of life and make the decision a little easier. When they stopped doing things they enjoyed, it was time. He also told us to watch for "the stare". It's like they come to a place where the animal begins to separate from us, and no longer sees the point in engaging in activity or eating. You know at that point, that the kind thing is to help them over the rainbow bridge, and that the sadness is ours, because we will miss them :sob: . But know that you did everything to give her a wonderful life while she was here, and loved her enough to help her make it gently to the other side where she will wait for you. :angel1:

[dutchman]

Faye sone with Aggie there was no chance of her getting better and she was only going to continue to spiral down at an increasing rate my decision was easy compared to yours. What every way you go we understand it won't be an easy decision. Asking your vet is a good idea. While few vet will make the suggestion that's it time to let a loved one go they will offer their view when ask. Perhaps Buddy is sensing her time is near and or the stress you are feeling and that is why she is seeking you out this weekend trying to comfort you and let you know it's OK but she is ready to rejoin her brother. She has done all she can to get the young crew whipped into shape.

If it is her time and if my memory is correct this will be your choice either be with her or if you can't do that (not all can) at least view her body after she has passed. Being with them or at least seeing them after is an important step in closure that studies have shown we benefit from.

Remember our shoulders are broad and lean, or cry on them as much as you need.

[Chris]

I'm so sorry that you have come to this point. I've enjoyed reading about Bunny and know that the decision you make will be made purely from love for her. Take and give comfort with Juney and Trixey, they will miss her too and will need your support even while you are getting support from them.

I second what Dutchman said about being with her or at least seeing her after. I was not able to with either of my boys, and have had horrible nightmares ever since.

[luvmydoxie]

Faye :hugs1:

This is a tough and never easy decision. Follow your heart. We are here for you and I support you 100% :hug2:

[Joyce]

My heart brakes for you, I know it is one of the hardest things you will ever do. It has almost been a year for us, but our heart still aches, but there is a time when you have to love them enough to let them go. :hugs1: for you.

[willsana]

Faye, you know there is little I can say to help you with this. Bunny is a lucky girl to have you to love her so much. I have had the hard weekend and the Monday. They were the hardest days of my life. I remember every minute as clearly as if it were yesterday. I would not trade a second of that special time for anything in the world. When you hold Bunny this weekend, please give her a little kiss from me and Duffy.

[My3Dachsies]

Faye, you'll be in my prayers. :pray: I know you will make the best decision for you and Bunny. I haven't had this experience with a dachsie, but we've had to put down 2 of our German Shepherd's growing up, and its such a heart wrenching decision. Bunny is so lucky to have such a wonderful mom! Hang in there - we'll keep sending lots of :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: and :pray: :pray: :pray:

Big big hugs :hugs1: and lots of love,

[Patt]

This is an hard decision to make, I've had to do it a number of times and it does not get any easier. Quality of life is the main thing to consider, is she happy doing the things she has enjoyed, is she in pain? Please consult your vet he/she knows Bunny's history and can assist you in making a decision. Although I do believe you will definitely know when it is time. :hugs1:
I will keep you and Bunny in my thoughts and prayers. :pray: :pray: :pray:

[minicooper]

My heart is breaking for you, Faye :(

I know you will make the best decision for you and Bunny.

We are all here for you :hug2: :hug2:

[Courtknee]

Tears came to my eyes reading these posts. It is the hardest decision, but you know you have our support whatever you decide. You know Bunny the best. My sister had to put a cat down recently. This was the greatest cat, he acted like a dog and we all loved him. But he was old, losing hair, slept all day, and had problems moving around. He was losing control of his bodily functions and peeing everywhere. She called me in tears saying she knew she had to put him down. I cried with her; it was very very sad but I gave her my support (when our other sister berated her). She said that the vet said better to do it one day too early than one day too late so that an animal does not suffer needlessly. :hugs1: :hugs1: :hugs1:

[juliette]

:hug2: Oh Faye - I know how difficult this is - but everyone is right - it's not you being evil, rather you are thinking about what is best for her. Your decisions are based in love for Bunny and it is that very love which is making this so painful.

We are all here for you during this difficult time - God be with you. :hug2:

[SirOliversMom]

This must be so difficult for you Faye. I know how much you love Bunny and I'm so sorry to hear this news. You will do what is right for her, I'm sure of that. Many :hugs1: :hugs1: for you and Nathan.

[tiggermiss]

:hugs1: Dearest Faye,

My heart goes out to you,I know this very difficult decisionto make and you will do what is best for Bunny.

We will ALL go thru this one day, with our own furkids. It's a day we will all dread.
You are in No Way being cruel to Bunny. You have loved her and I'm sure spoiled her and took very good care of her. Whatever decision you make is from the heart and WE are ALL here for you. :hugs1:

Bunny maybe telling you that her journey with you has come to an end. It's hard to let go.
Please keep us posted! You and Bunny are in my thoughts and prayers. :hug2: :hug2:

[Juneysmom]

Last night and the night before, Bunny didn't sleep very well, and kept me up much of the time. The night before she woke me up about every 2-3 hours, but when I petted her, she settled down. Last night, she woke me up way more often. It seemed like she was sitting there looking straight ahead, but again, when I petted her, she laid down.

This morning, Bunny didn't settle down for the longest time. She walked and walked and walked. She usually goes to sleep for a few hours after eating. This time, she walked until about 11:00 a.m. here (it is now 12:10 p.m.) Then she finally went to sleep at 11:00 a.m.

[joeysmom]

I'm so sorry for you and Bunny. We had to help dear FLASH, our 17 year old cat to the bridge in November and it was so hard, but she was so clearly not thriving that we knew it was right. Hugs to you and dear Bunny. :hugs1:
Take care,

[quavec]

Faye, I will keep you and Bunny in my thoughts :hugs1:

[Kim H.]

It is a hard decision, I know. We had to do it for our cocker, Shelly, back in 1992. With Bunny, since she has the liver failure, my only question for the vet would be whether her ammonia levels are high since that could account for the confusion that you mention (and could potentially be corrected). Otherwise, perhaps her time has come. However only you and your son can decide that for sure; we will be here for support whatever you do.

sending hugs :hug2:

[Juneysmom]

Just wanted to let you know what is happening this Monday morning:

Bunny woke up several times again during the morning hours after midnight. This time, she woke up about every 2-3 hours, but when again, when I petted her, she settled down. This went on until about 5:00 a.m., when she stayed sitting up. Towards about 5:30 a.m., she started licking my hand and/or the bed. I got up at 5:40 a.m., and took her outside to potty.

For some reason, she is now better than usual. She is back to her normal routine. She also was interested in her food and in Juney’s food, too. :)

---

I will ask the vet about Bunny's possible ammonia levels.

[Irminsul]

Oh Faye,
what a difficult time for you. Please know that you are a good care taker and Bunny loves you. She is relying on you now to make the right decision. You'll know when the time is here. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Give Bunny a kiss from me. :hugs1:

[TessieMom]

I am glad she is doing better. Checking the blood levels sounds like a good idea!

[Pokey's Mom]

For some reason, she is now better than usual. She is back to her normal routine. She also was interested in her food and in Juney’s food, too. :)

Hopefully from all of our DBB :rayz: :rayz: :rayz: ! ;)

See, you found hope and you didn't have to look. I found the comment about keeping an activity journal very interesting... one could see behavior patterns or even better, a "reomved" look at what's going on.

Many more :rayz: :rayz: for Bunny and Mom! We're here for you no matter what!

[Heidi's Pam]

What an emotional roller-coaster you are going through right now. It's so hard to make that final difficult decision about your furkid's health - the best that we can do is be especially vigilant to note their day-to-day quality of life and comfort level. You've been a wonderful mom to Bunny, and she knows that you love her dearly and will always make the best decision for her. Hang in there, and we're always here for you. Big hugs to you! :hugs1: :hugs1:

Pam

[Patt]

:bighug:'s to you and Bunny, each day is a gift to share your love. :heart:

[AgileOllie]

I am so sad and so sorry that you are going through this. You are in my prayers and I hope you find comfort in which ever decision you make.
God Bless
Tonya

[Juneysmom]

Tonight, I came home and talked to the vet. At first, after hearing about Bunny's condition over the last several days, she said that it sounded like Bunny was showing signs of senility and possible stroke. She said that I should probably think about putting her down. She said that if Bunny were her dog, she would put her to sleep.

Then, my son reminded me to tell her about Bunny going round and round in circles a lot. When I told the vet that, she told me that puts things more in perspective and said that some of the symptoms that I had mentioned were also signs of vestibular syndrome. I told her that I knew that there was no cure for that, and she said that this was correct and some dogs do not get better and have to be put down. She said that since Bunny has started getting better, that I should start keeping a daily journal for the next few days, so we can see what is going on with Bunny.

Just before the vet called, I was preparing the dogs’ food and I happened to drop Juney and Trixie’s food. Bunny thought she had gotten a great treat. :D

Later on tonight, I went to class and when I came home, Bunny was happy to see me and was kissing me and bouncing around. She ate her food. Bunny is totally different tonight than she was last week. I’m really amazed at the turn-around.

[yolanda]

Oh Faye, this is wonderful new. I was so worried for her and for you. Keep smiling and loving this brave girl.

[lotsadox]

This is great news, Faye. It looks like Bunny's not quite ready to go yet and you're going to get some more time with her. Make the most of it.

[Irminsul]

That sounds much better. Enjoy your time with her and give her a kiss from me :flower:

[Tasha's Mom]

Oh Faye, I missed the posts this weekend but I'm so relieved to hear Bunny has perked up a bit. Each day with our puppers is a gift, IMHO. I'm glad you have had a few more to share with Bunny! :hugs1:

[dutchman]

Faye, thank you for the update.I We will continue to send rays that the good days may outnumber the bad ones.

[alisoninmd]

Faye, I'm so glad to hear Bunny is doing better. We'll continue to keep you both in our prayers. :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Me&DappledDuo]

That girl has SOME spunk. :)

You'll know when it's time, Faye. She's just not ready yet.

[Frzframe]

I'm sure glad to hear that Bunny girl is doing better. And you were blessed with kisses from her. More :rayz:'s for continued health.

[skipper]

:sob: :sob: Your not evil,when the time comes think of your self as a :angel1: helping Bunny to make it to the Bridge so she can be free to see and run and play and drink from the colorfull waterfalls with all the other ones that have gone on to wait for you someday when you will be together forever. I have to think of good thoughts and things to make me feel good about putting my Little Skipper to rest New Years Eve. It was so so hard but with everyone here with there kind thoughts helped me through the days after when I felt like you. Bunny will love you for setting her free and will allways be in your thoughts and heart . Sending a big hug :hugs1: and :pray: for you and Bunny. Maybe with all everyones :pray: and :rayz: :rayz: Bunny will get better instead.

[LUVMYGUNNER]

Glad to hear Bunny is doing Better.

[willsana]

It is so wonderful to hear that Bunny is feeling better! :)

[Patt]

Bunny is definitely an amazing little lady, sending more :rayz: :rayz: and :pray: :pray: her way.

[TessieMom]

I am so glad that she is having such great days! I hope that the good days continue and outnumber the down days! :rayz: :rayz: :rayz:

[Juneysmom]

Now that I'm writing every day's events down, I'll be able to see any patterns there might be.

Thank you all for your support.

[SirOliversMom]

Good luck Faye..more :rayz: :rayz: for Miss Bunny!

[Chapo's Mom]

I know it's been a week, but I wanted to give my support. Hope all is well! :rayz: :rayz::rayz::rayz::rayz: for Bunny and you! You have a heart of gold, hon! Don't worry about anyone thinks! We're here for you!

[Juneysmom]

Thank you for all your rays and support. For those of you that are interested, there is another updated thread here:

Bunny Update # 2 (http://dachsie.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=18166)