Best ways to spoil a dog in hospice?

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emacc

Cornell c/o 2021
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So, the diagnosis on my 9yr dog has basically come down to leukemia as the only thing left possible, acute lymphocytic leukemia most likely. We've already decided against chemotherapy as we don't feel like it would be fair to him for what little time it might buy us, so we're currently doing basically hospice care to make him as happy as possible.

He first got sick at the end of last month and has had some ups and downs since then, had his spleen removed, was on a ton of medications, had three blood transfusions.

As of yesterday his hematocrit has crashed back down to 15 and we're not expecting him to live through the weekend. He's on cerenia, prednisone, and some pain medications right now, we've taken him off everything else, and he seems to be feeling pretty good all things considered.

Anyone have any ideas of how to make his last few days as enjoyable as possible? He had ribeye for dinner and has been having free run of the house without the other dogs (his bff is still here with him but we boarded the hyper puppy), but we're thinking we want to do a really special day or two just for him.

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So, the diagnosis on my 9yr dog has basically come down to leukemia as the only thing left possible, acute lymphocytic leukemia most likely. We've already decided against chemotherapy as we don't feel like it would be fair to him for what little time it might buy us, so we're currently doing basically hospice care to make him as happy as possible.

He first got sick at the end of last month and has had some ups and downs since then, had his spleen removed, was on a ton of medications, had three blood transfusions.

As of yesterday his hematocrit has crashed back down to 15 and we're not expecting him to live through the weekend. He's on cerenia, prednisone, and some pain medications right now, we've taken him off everything else, and he seems to be feeling pretty good all things considered.

Anyone have any ideas of how to make his last few days as enjoyable as possible? He had ribeye for dinner and has been having free run of the house without the other dogs (his bff is still here with him but we boarded the hyper puppy), but we're thinking we want to do a really special day or two just for him.

So sorry to hear about this... Especially as he is so young. If he is particularly affectionate, just petting, cuddling and telling him what a good boy he is might make his day.
 
He's definitely been getting all the love for the past month, which he's loving because usually he's a little overwhelmed by the other larger dogs. He also adores visiting campus down the street with me but I'm worried he's too weak for that now, even if I carry him.
 
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I let my dog have a cheeseburger and all the cuddle time she wanted before I had to put her down. I figured a burger one time in her life couldn't hurt her at that point... I wanted her last day to be as happy as I could make it.

I am so sorry you are going through this unfortunate time with your pup. Sending you and your loved one lots of good thoughts and prayers. <3
 
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Thanks, I really appreciate it. We've been through the wringer on this one, all the vets that have been involved in his case are really upset. One of the specialists who did all his ultrasounds asked me to if I wanted to come shadow with her but I'm not sure I can handle that just yet.

Mostly I'm trying as hard as I can to not let it interfere with studying for my finals, but I just want to spend all day cuddling with him. Fortunately my grades can't really drop at this point even if I stumble.

So far food wise he's mostly been interested in the steak, havarti, and some nutro wet food

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So sorry to hear you're going through this :(

I think this question really depends on your pup. What makes your dog happy? Belly rubs? Special food? I think just being there for him will make all the difference.
 
He loooooves to lick people's faces, so he's getting a lot of that which he normally isn't allowed to do. Even my boyfriend sat down and put his face close for him. Today he really perked up when we talked about food but then didn't really want anything.

I think I'm also sort of looking at it from a broader perspective, since we do a lot of this sort of care at our clinic and advise owners a lot. We make the whole process of an expected death a better experience, we see a lot of owners who still feel incredibly guilty even though they've done everything they possibly could, but it's hard regardless of the situation.

The vet I work for agreed to come to the house and euthanize him this weekend if it comes to that, but we think he's probably going to pass in his sleep before that based on his bloodwork and his attitude.
 
He loooooves to lick people's faces, so he's getting a lot of that which he normally isn't allowed to do. Even my boyfriend sat down and put his face close for him. Today he really perked up when we talked about food but then didn't really want anything.

I think I'm also sort of looking at it from a broader perspective, since we do a lot of this sort of care at our clinic and advise owners a lot. We make the whole process of an expected death a better experience, we see a lot of owners who still feel incredibly guilty even though they've done everything they possibly could, but it's hard regardless of the situation.

The vet I work for agreed to come to the house and euthanize him this weekend if it comes to that, but we think he's probably going to pass in his sleep before that based on his bloodwork and his attitude.

Sounds like you are doing everything he loves during his last few days.:love: I'm so sorry you are going through this and I hope for a peaceful passing when the time comes. Sounds like you gave him an amazing life that I'm sure he's grateful for. I second the cheeseburger. But mostly bc that's what *I* would want :D
 
This thread is really sweet and sad at the same time. I'm sorry you're going through this. :(

It sounds like you're doing everything you can and he's appreciating it. Does he have any toys he particularly loves? He may not be up for real playing, but just some gentle chewing/tugging or even just having them near him might make him happy.

Not sure what the weather is currently like in your part of the world, but before we put my dog down at 16 years old, I carried her out into the backyard and set her on a blanket in the sun. We just laid on the blanket together for a few hours and cuddled and I gave her belly rubs while she sniffed the air and soaked up the sun. She hadn't been able to walk for a few days at that point, so she hadn't been able to spend any time outside. I'd like to think that she appreciated it.

And I agree with giving him whatever horribly unhealthy treats he wants. He'll love them and it won't hurt anything at this point.
 
I'm sorry you are going through this.

I also agree with the whatever he wants to eat. And I love BlackDog's taking him out in the sun suggestion. It sounds like you are doing a great job to make sure his last days are comfortable and full of love.
 
I can't even begin to tell you how many clients I have told about this article. It's really special, I tear up every time I read it.

emacc, it sounds like you are doing an awesome job at keeping your buddy happy. Losing a friend is never easy. I'm sending all of my good karma and intentions your way during my next yoga practice. <3

great article on giving your dying dog his perfect day. i wish everyone would read it.


http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/heavy_petting/2011/09/the_perfect_day.html

thinking of you and your little friend! <3
 
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