I have no doubt in my mind it was the right decision. The last 48 hours made that so clear. I’ve been awake since 1 a.m. She paced all night, making sad little groaning noises, explosive diarrhea at 2 am, 8 am, 11 am, didn’t eat, just drank water, had diarrhea, and stood “staring” into nothing. Whatever had been plaguing her turned much worse over the last week, and there was no fixing it.
She was unsteady on her feet today, totally detached, staring into space. She fell over while I tried to walk her this morning, she couldn’t navigate walking in the grass. She was going downhill by the hour, literally.
We went to the vet late this afternoon and the very nice young vet (I realized today that she’s pregnant!) said it was time, we were out of reasonable options, and the unreasonable options, like hauling her up to UF Vet School for more testing, didn’t guarantee results. Sophie really was too weak and miserable to put through another fishing expedition. She really was past caring in the last few days.
I’m sad, but it was not entirely unexpected. We’ve been in a living hell of explosive diarrhea and medications and trying everything we could think of for the last several months. Nothing worked.

She was the sweetest, funniest, most original little character. She loved to watch TV (her favorite musical was Hairspray, favorite drama Downton Abbey). She also loved prescription drug commercials, she figured out that they frequently featured happy patients romping with their dogs, and she learned to recognize the music and the announcer voice of those ads. She’d stop what she was doing and run to the TV.
When I came home from work she’d greet me with a stuffed toy for a few minutes of fetch to welcome me home. She loved squirrel watching and Goldfish crackers. The last year of her illness left her a shadow of her former self, and the last three months or so were just brutal. I prolonged her life longer than I probably should have, and God knows I spent too much money trying, but I don’t regret it.
I have no doubt Murphy was waiting for her.
I’m so sorry for your loss. The only consolation I ever can offer, is that we do the best we can for them, and give them the best life possible. You did that and all of your pets are blessed to have you, as you are blessed by them.
Thank you.
Aw, so sorry for your loss of Sophie.
Thank you.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
I am so very sorry that sweet Sophie is gone. You did the best for her that you could; I am glad she is no longer suffering. Funny how big a hole our canine and feline companions can leave in our hearts… Sending you lots and lots of good thoughts.
Sweet baby! I’ll miss hearing of her exploits. She was quite a character and such a great dog. Virtual hugs!
Sweet baby! I’ll miss hearing of her exploits. She was quite a character and such a great dog. Virtual hugs!
She was such a sweetheart. xx
So sorry to hear about Sophie, the hardest yet often the kindest thing to do. You have given her peace, and she will have known all her life how loved she was.
Sarah.
So sorry. You gave her a good life and a good death. I wish you peace and a quick journey to the place where the good memories remain with the sharp pain of loss.
I am sorry! It is always so hard. Rest easy knowing she is no longer in pain and both of you can just relax. She’ll be playing with Bobbie (my dog) and Jackie (my cat). Best to you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. But I’m sure she and Murphy are happily reunited, and be getting up to all kinds of mischief.
You fought so hard to find a treatment for dear little Sophie! You did your best for her, and it is such a shame when our best efforts do not, cannot help!
Hugs, hugs and more hugs
Gae, in Callala Bay
Just reading about this brings back the memory of my most recent similar experience. It sounds like she had a wonderful life, and a humane passing. I wish they could live forever.
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss.
I know you love your pets so much, and you are a great pet mom.
Hugs