It is a very heartbreaking and painful experience when you have to make the decision to put your beloved pet to sleep. This Yorkie owner is worried about her dog’s quality of life, as he is diabetic and blind. She wants advice from Glynne on whether or not to put him down.

Question:

Dear Glynne, I have a Yorkie approx 13 yrs old. Full Diabetic, Insulin twice daily and on diabetic food. However, he is now totally blind and 90% deaf. only responds to clapping of hands but does not know where it comes from. Although we do not leave things lying around the house he still does not know where everything is. He still walks into things, and misjudges the steps. He would sit in front of the couch where I normally sit and look ’sort of up’ and make these crying sounds. My question is, how will I know that he no longer has a good quality of life. His little body is so full of needle holes I don’t know where to inject any more. Sometimes he will whinge when I inject in a certain place, and I try not to inject there again. But the places to inject are getting less and less. My heart is breaking for him as he has been such a part of our lives.

We used to plan our holidays around him, i.e. comes with us, however, the last holiday was horrible - with being blind he did not know where anything was and kept walking into everything. He fell into the swimming pool - (this was my fault as I really just did not think) whereafter I watched him like you would a three year old. Inside the house and outside. I really need to know what am I to do. Both my husband and I work during the day and he sleeps mostly during the day Please advise.
Kind regards

Dear Uda
I wish the world was full of more kind caring people like you.
As a dog lover and I have earned many T-shirts in this respect, I feel I am well qualified to answer your question.
I know beyond a doubt we must do what is in the best interest of the beloved dog. And we must not be influenced by our selfish and irresponsible sentiments, as heartbreaking and as traumatic as that can be.
• I think you must ask yourself whether your little fellow’s quality of life is making him happy or not?
• Then ask yourself whether you would like to live your life in that way?
If your answers are negative, the greatest gift you can give your Angel is a painless, dignified send off. Trust me he will always be with you in spirit.
You see, I also believe dogs will hold on to life purely for our sakes, and often, long after their time has passed, so we must allow them to rest. It’s the right thing to do.
My thoughts are with you during this very difficult time.
Warm wishes
Glynne