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Post by malteser60 on May 13, 2011 12:45:30 GMT
Oh simong, you are truly in a horrible position. Personally I think you will know when it is time. True, don't leave it so that he is in too much pain that it is then cruel. I wouldn't want to be in your position, not looking forward to it with my girls, thankfully I have quite a few years left with them. Plus I really envy you being able to give them the run of the house. I used to do that with my girls until they decided they would eat everything in sight, including the wallpaper. So now, unfortunately, I have to let them out supervised in one room. I feel the most for them when I have to put them in a bucket (covered) when I clean the cage as I can't clean them and keep an eye on them. They really don't like it, especially as before they would 'help' me clean the cage.
As for Houdini, I take it he is also an elderly degu? I think he would be ok on his own now, especially as you work from home and he has almost constant access to you. Like you, personally I wouldn't give Houdini away as I think that would be very stressful, especially when he is now so used to you. Just give him lots of love and attention.
And whatever, or whenever, put on a brave face and know that Mr P has had a brilliant life with you.
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Post by simong on May 20, 2011 13:27:33 GMT
Another week on, and Mr P is still going. His weight seems to be stable (at 200 grams) and I've just started him on baby food, which he seems to like - thanks moletteuk A week on from my near miss with taking him to vets one last time, he is still fighting and (I think) still enjoying his life - though he is obviously much reduced from his prime. Seeing how he has been this last week I am glad I changed my mind. He still hops about, sits on warm things and snuggles up with Houdini. It's upsetting to see him when he's struggling but heart warming to see him when he's chilling out and enjoying himself. Overall, with hindsight, I think I've done the right thing so far by keeping him alive :/
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cazara
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 191
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Post by cazara on May 20, 2011 13:42:52 GMT
Simong sorry to hear about Mr P not doing so well, sounds as though your both going through a hard time. It's never easy and understandable that you want to spend as much time with him as you can till he passes. It the hardest decision to make for a pet and have had to do it. I really wish you all the best at this time xx(hug)
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sam99
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 126
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Post by sam99 on May 20, 2011 13:53:35 GMT
Whatever happens in the days and weeks to come, you have certainly done everything possible to make his time a happy one. Thoughts with you, Houdini and most of all Mr P xx
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Post by philbailey1806 on May 21, 2011 1:33:50 GMT
Oh dear, sorry to hear about Mr P, its always a hard decision. My advice would be that you know your pet better than anyone and so I think whatever you decide woild be the right thing to do because even a vet wouldnt know how he normally behaves.
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Post by amie on May 21, 2011 4:30:17 GMT
I think I agree with the fruit and a boat load of treats! If the little guy is drawing near to..... why not do it style?! I'd love to try everything I hadn't tried before before I go. I vote stuff him with treats, shower him with love and watch him enjoy the time he has left. His life (in my opinion) seems like it should be based more on quality than quantity now. Everything in abundance. I'd love to go down with a chocolate bar (a BIG ONE) in one hand and whiskey in the other.... possibly a cigarette in my mouth at the same time (and probably will). This is ofcourse my opinion and it might not be the right one, but at this point, I'd be more concerned about making their final days fulfilling rather than trying to extend their life (if you're sure it is near to the end). I think the beautiful thing to remember here is that you have to time to make these choices. It hasn't been a suddon thing where you don't have the time to enrich his final days as much as you can. Still not a nice situation and must be awful to watch him go downhill, but you have time to show him love and make him as happy and comfortable as he can be. I wish you all the best and I'd like to add that I think he's been blessed with an owner like you. You sound like you love him very much and my heart goes out to you.
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Post by TiffaLynn on May 22, 2011 21:34:01 GMT
I admire your commitment and your seeking out advice on Mr. P's issues. It shows you are a good daddy, and that you want the best for him. and with some pet owners as we all know just want the easy way out. Seeing they were both rescues show you have abundance in heart alone. I will keep all the advice above in mind as my girls age. They are going on 4 now. I believe there were born in July. I know Goos can live up to 13 in rare occasions, So i have prepared myself mentally for them aging the best i can. I say treat him to death, well not literally, but like everyone else is recently saying, give him the good stuff he "used" to have to beg for
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Post by simong on May 25, 2011 16:17:57 GMT
I thought you'd all "like" to know that we had Mr P put to sleep today We took him to the vet yesterday to get his teeth burred to make sure he was as comfortable as could be. He came round from the anesthetic OK and was his normal (reduced) self in the afternoon / evening. Overnight, he must have gone rapidly downhill and today he wouldn't even look at food or water or even take his metacam. Normally, he's very difficult to catch as he doesn't really like being picked up, but today he wouldn't even move when we picked him up It was still a difficult decision. Maybe there is something that could have been done, but the vet didn't think so either, so it was his time... Tomorrow I'll bury him in the garden next to his old friend, Nicky Many thanks for the suggestions. For what it's worth, the baby food made a significant difference to his "comfort" in his last days so thanks moletteuk
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Post by kovu07 on May 25, 2011 16:34:03 GMT
I'm so so sorry, but at least you made his final days as happy as they could be. Hugs
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cazara
Burrowing Degu
Posts: 191
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Post by cazara on May 25, 2011 17:50:38 GMT
He was a lucky wee Goo to have such an attentive owner as yourself, you should be proud of all you did for him. I'm so sorry to hear that he is now gone but at least he isn't suffering any more poor wee might. Thoughts are with you at this time xx Hugs xx
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Post by deguconvert on May 25, 2011 23:27:39 GMT
I am so very sorry for your loss and the grief you are now feeling. You know, you thought so much of him, and you did so much for him, taking your cues from him, rather than just following what conventional medical advice might say. You loved him with all your heart, and you gave him strength through your love. I admire and greatly respect you for what you have done. My heart and thoughts are with you.
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Post by lorrainekuk on May 25, 2011 23:35:53 GMT
So sad - really admire the way you have dealt with poor Mr P's last weeks. He was an obviously very loved Goo - and you are obviously a very loving person - thanks for sharing x RIP Mr P xx
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