Ok, this is hard. Most of you know my dog Hunter, who is a black lab and who's birthday is Halloween, has cancer. We found out in Jan 2007 and at that time the vet gave him 3 months to live (the cancer is in his nose and mouth.) Well, he is like my child as I used him for a service dog for his young life (retired him at diagnosis) and he is with me almost all the time.

He has been fine (to the appearance) since then but his mouth is more and more red. On Friday he stopped eating his moist food. He ate dry food all his life until about 6 months ago when he stopped eating dry and we started feeding him canned. So, last friday he wouldn't eat his moist food. We put some bones in it and he nursed it. Saturday we put some dry in his bowl with some water and he ate it up. Not sure if he doesn't like the wet or if it is mouth.

I ALWAYS said I would never let him suffer and would let him go to Heaven when he does, but that is my problem, he still is full of energy, he still will play ball and run around. he is not in any apparent pain. But his breathing can be labored (panting heavily) once in a while and he snores BADLY.

I think I am just numb at the thought of losing him. I am at an emotional roadblock on if I should let nature take it's course or put him to sleep.

I just don't know. Today is my DW's and mine anniversary and we are supposed to go to the Diamondbacks game. My brother in law (who also is a dog lover and has two labs) said he would come pick Hunter up tomorrow and take him in. I know I should but as excited as Hunter gets when he hears the word's "car ride" or sees his leash I don't think I can handle doing that knowing he won't come home. I have cried for hours over this.

My friends all know how much I cherish this animal and one even said last weekend " you are the only person I know who loves a dog more than people" which is true.

So, this turned into a long post, I'm sorry. I just don't know what to do, and yes, I have prayed over this.

God gave me 18 months the vet's said I would not have. I just don't want to say goodbye.

I know this should have gone in Pets but I posted it here, please let it be if you can.

My heart breaks for you, Earl.

I have no words of wisdom, just compassionate hugs.

Cherie

(((((Earl))))) & (((((Hunter)))))

Praying you can get through this Earl. I am sitting here looking at my baby Bergie, also a black lab and cannot imagine your pain.

I've put three cats to rest and held them the whole time until they passed. It's hard and bittersweet all at the same time.

The decision is never easy, Earl.

But only you (and your vet) can decide when the time's right.

Are you going to have Hunter's mouth evaluated before making the ultimate decision?

It makes me cry just to think about losing my two cats. One of them (Tigger) is just like a person. It's not unusual to love your pets more than you love some humans.......I do.

I'd ask the vet to take a look at him again. I'm sorry you're having to make this decision.....it's gotta be hard.

Hunter is playing non stop with his ball. We haven't received clear enough signs he is ready to leave us. I am sorry to post that earlier and get you all upset.

We are glad he is eating the dry food with water. A friend of my parents who is a vet said when he stops eating and drinking and when he keeps to himself or us, that is the sign dog's give when they are ready, he isn't ready yet.

Thank you for all your prayers. I really feel them.

I'm sorry for the pain and worry you are going through over Hunter, Earl. My doxies are my babies, too~

I had to put my Mother's lil dog down a month after losing my Mother. It was so very hard *DH took her* I felt like I let my Mother down and I let her lil baby down, but it was inevitable. She was ill and very old.

I can't begin to tell you what to do. Just look into Hunter's eyes. He'll let you know.

Take care Earl. I'm a true poochie/animal lover too, so I understand.

That is so true. They will let you know. When my Cassie was ill we kept her at home so she could pass away with us. One day I found her in my closet and she looked up at me with the saddest eyes and a little meow. I knew right then and there I was keeping her with us because we couldn't let her go and her time had come. She passed away in my arms at the vet and it was bittersweet because I knew she would be out of pain and at Rainbow Bridge. But on the other hand, I was so sad to lose her. I also felt somewhat at ease knowing I let her tell us.

It's all too emotional to know when the right time is Earl. Hunter will let you know just as the vet said.