What would you do if your dog went blind

[channys_mum]

I am sitting here looking at my dog laying on her cushion where she spends most of her time now.

Honey is 16 going on 17 and has been with me since she was 6 weeks old.

On Tuesday I took her for her booster parvo and her regular eye check. The vet said that her eyesight is now gone. She may see bright light but that is all. She is almost deaf also. Her general health is that of a healthy 10 year old even her teeth.

She still takes herself out to the toilet, comes for a pat, wags her tail and seems to be happy.

Last night I was talking to my son on the phone and he said "Mum what are you doing she lives in a silent dark world".

So now I wonder what am I doing. Is it for her, or is it for me that I have not contemplated her last journey to the vet.

What would you do.

[lind9650]

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@*mrgrizz* wrote:

personally i would have her put down.

i would not like to live if i was blind and deaf

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Mrgrizz, how many deaf and blind people do you know? There are hundreds of them around, leading a happy and fulfilling life. Animals have stronger senses and instincts than people and adjust even better than humans.

I am going blind and deaf, but I would never consider taking my life because of it. Happiness is a very precious feeling one can not see or hear.

Erica

[tcmsecretuseid]

Yes, Blame me!   That TCM said that dogs can talk, and so I asked Honey if she was ready to go, and she said NO.  😉 

Sheesh, sons. 

[sineaterdoodah]

can i tell you a story? over on the usa boards,many of us have a friend,his name is james,and he's my"little brother" . we adopted each other years ago. and so many people love james,it never ceases to amaze me! 

anyway,recently,he's been through alot. he had a little dog named brandy,she was AWESOME! and several cats,too. 

when his mama kitty,eureka,was dying,hos dog brandy comforted her until the end.

brandy went blind a year or so ago,not too long after eureka passed. her triplets,all older than brandy,they helped her.

and brandy knew her house,and her yard,even without sight! there are piccies of brandy walking through her yard in the snow,lol!

she passed away 3 weeks ago tomorrow. and just so you KNOW,she passed in james's arms,on the way to the vet,because they BOTH knew  it was time. she let HIM go,without the trauma of having her put down,you know? 

i think your baby will do that too. my boy miles did. he died while i was on a lunch date. i knew he was sick,but HE decided he was ready. i came home,and he was laying on my footstool,like he was just watching tv. 

never give up,until THEY say they're ready. and let them choose. i guess that's what i want to saay...

sorry for rambling.

[chuk_77]

if the vet said she is otherwise healthy, she can eat and drink without a problem then I wouldnt put her down.

She has her other senses, she can still get around, just dont go changing the furniture around. She knows her way around now, changing anything will mean she bumps into to things and she may hurt herself. You will know when its time to let her go, she will tell you in her own way 

[kabarine]

We are in a similar situation with our 14 yr old jrtx, in that she is nearly blind and incontinent, though her hearing seem ok atm.  I admit that continually washing wet dog blankets and wiping up puddles off the floor, frustrates me at times, she wont be being pts as long as she is happy and healthy.  I think you will know when the tine is "right to say good bye to you "baby"and from what you have written it isn't quite now.

[mainecoon1]

Kabarine sorry to here your dog is incontinent, have you tried doggy nappies, they might be expensive but it would be better than having to clean up all the time that is if she will wear them of course.

[k0llectable5]

Kudos to you for that post Pimpy, that was a wonderful thing that you said.

I too have an old dog, he is blind and deaf but he still comes for walks, and does all the things that a young dog would do (albeit much slower and he sleeps pretty much all day) 

I'm also dreading "that" day, but for now I wont be dwelling on thinking about it...

[the*scarlet*pimpernel]

Kabarine, I bought a waterproof mattress protector for my sisters old poodle when he became incontinent. It was terry towleing on top and a plastic lining, but the towelling made it soft and warm. It's for kids beds.

I think Honey will let CM know when she's had enough. I'm lucky enough to have met Honey several times (CM, don't you dare mention that bathroom incident) , and she was a perfect host to my old dingbat Jack and a gorgeous sweet dog. 

[channys_mum]

Me mention incidents  never 

[channys_mum]

How is Jack by the way