We struggled to determine whether our beloved Dexter was still enjoying a good quality of life. If I brought out his favorite treat, chicken wrapped yams, he seemed like he was 2 again. Only for a moment. His favorite spot on the back of the couch was now empty while he crawled into an open crate. We watched him age and did our best to supplement and provide for him as much as possible.
A couple of years ago he started growing little moles on his body. We discussed these with the vet and opted to keep an eye to make sure these moles did not grow or cause any issues. He was pushing 12 years old, after all, and we didn't want to chance adding any issues.
He had also developed a cough that was diagnosed as chronic bronchitis. We were given cough medicine originally and then we did a round of steroids. This helped his cough but weakened his little body and he lost so much weight.
The last couple of months were filled with ups and downs. He would have a down day or two and then seem fine for weeks. Then it started to be the opposite. He would have many down days and only a couple of good days. During these difficult days, he spent most of his time sleeping and had little to no appetite. We were pretty sure he was losing his hearing and relied on our hand signals by this time. He began to have accidents while sleeping, so we placed puppy pads in all the spots where he usually sleeps.
We started researching the 'quality of life' scales for dogs online. We checked into local businesses that will come to your home and euthanize your fur-iend. In the end, my Dexter went on his own terms. He crawled into the open crate on my side of the bed near the headboard and went to sleep. I could hear him breathing and many times during the night I kept checking to see if he was still breathing. Around 5 am I heard two deep breaths and then silence. He was gone.
When our fur-iends have been with us through so much and for so long, it is heartbreaking when they are gone. It's hard to see their food bowl, their favorite toy, their collar, the urn that now contains his ashes. He is no longer suffering, and I am so grateful for that. I miss him and will always remember that cream sable boy that loved opening the back seat window in the car.
In loving memory of Dexter, 10/14/10 - 8/12/24
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