Hi, Thank you so much for all your advice, kind thoughts and most of all - for your caring. I called the vet and he told me how much it would cost and what the procedure would be for sending Joe to cross over the Rainbow. The vet couldn't give me a time frame as to how long Joe will be with me; but as many of you said, I'll know when it's time. But darn it, that's so very hard. They told me the signs to watch for are whining/crying, lack of eating and drinking, him lying in a different position (to protect his painful parts) and staying as close to me as possible. Joe is doing all that except the crying and positioning himself; although he is coughing/gagging more and has a lot of stinky gas. ??? Right now he's beside me on the couch. I'm sorry if my email is bringing up sad memories for you; please know that I really appreciate your help. Another question I'm going to have is will his pal Koby, grieve? I've had Koby for only 10 months, but they're fast friends. I'm not worried about my newest foster Emma Rose - she and Joe avoid each other and she's been here only 2 months. These two are chis. Thank you all again, Carolyn Joe, Koby and Emma Rose
________________________________ ________________________________ From: C.M. <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 10:29 PM Subject: [Chihuahuas] My dog is dying Hi friends, My dog, Joe (some of you "oldies" know him) is dying. Two weeks ago, the vet gave me the "news". My Joe is almost blind, can't hear and has tumors/lumps all throughout his body. He's only 12 years old - He's a 26 pound corgie/staffie/doxie black and white beautiful dog. So sorry you guys, I'm crying. But, no amount of money will fix Joe. I think he's getting worse quickly - more difficulty breathing, more coughing/choking; limping even more, not eating. What's strange is that he's become a "velcro" dog. Now, he just wants to be near me - which breaks my heart. Is he trying to say goodbye? Is he trying to say he hurts? When the time comes-which sounds soon, what do I do? Do I take him to his vet? Then what do I do with my Joe's body? You all have unfortunately, been through this, but I haven't and I don't know what to do. Can you please help me? Thank you, Carolyn Joe, Koby, Penny
