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NEED ADVICEve

946 Views 15 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  Charlie1941
Hi. my name is Charlotte. I really don't want to ask this. I have had a small poodle for 16 years. I got him when he was 5 weeks old. He has been my constant companion and has gotten me through many dark painful nights, including a long bout with shingles and the sudden dearh of my husband in the miiddle of the night. He is the sweetest, most humble little creature I've ever seen. My problem? He is both deaf and blind. However, Vet says that his heart is excellent and he seems to be healthy. He can find me anywhere in the house and he starts barking when he hears my car pull up. Strange that he hears that but nothing elsee. He wakes np in the middle of the night for water or to go outside. Now. I have had several people tell me that I should let him go, put him down. They say I am being selfish by forcing him to live in a dark lonely world. Am I? Is he miserable? He doesn't seem to be but how do I know?
Please I need advice from some one was exoerienced this.
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If he can navigate your house, enjoys trips out with you guiding him, is eating and drinking and showing no signs of pain or distress I don't think you are being selfish - I think you are being a careful, caring owner. If he were panting, restless, unable to settle, pacing aimlessly those would all be signs of discomfort that might mean hard decisions to be made, but for dogs their sense of smell and ability to sense vibrations can go a long way to compensate for loss of sight and hearing. If you have a kind and trusted vet I would be guided by them and by your dog. This is the twilight time: make every day as happy for you both as you can, with moments of joy for him - favourite food, a special treat or outing, a special cuddle - and store up good memories for yourself.
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