I have a 12 year old Pomeranian who suffers from some medical problems: blindness in one eye, near-complete deafness, and a collapsed trachea (which I can best explain as an asthma-like syndrome -- she has episodes of wheezing and trying to catch her breath). She's had a few health scares in the past but all have turned out to be nothing serious. My concern is her mental state: she has increasingly severe separation anxiety, to the point now that if I'm at home and she can't get to me (she won't walk on hard floors, only carpet)she cries nonstop. This includes when I wash the dishes or even go to the bathroom. When I'm home she has to be touching me; I can't eat at my table or study at my desk without her having a full-blown panic attack. She chews on herself when I'm gone to the point of bald patches and ulcers; bitter apple spray doesn't help. Often even if she's right next to me she cries for no known reason. The vet can't find anything wrong with her (she had an extensive physical and lab work)so he gave her a bunch of vitamin injections to see if they would help. They helped ever so slightly; she now allows me to sleep most nights but still whines and cries during the day. I am in my 3rd year of medical school and cannot stay with her all day; on my call nights (of which there have been few so far) my mom (whom Lady knows well and loves) comes into town to stay overnight with her, so she's never left for extended periods of time without going out or without company. As I look back, the only time I really see her happy is when she's outside, but unfortunately I cannot affort a place with a yard. When she stays with my parents she howls ALL THE TIME I'm told and rarely eats. My mom suggested I consider putting her down if she's not happy. Sometimes I think this would be the most humane solution, but when we're on a walk and she's the picture of happiness I have trouble thinking that putting her down is the right answer. I am so torn because I want to do what's right for her. I love her with all my heart. She was so happy as a younger dog, but it seems over the past couple of years her personality has really changed. I really need some objective feedback -- please help! Sorry for the War and Peace-length post.
Your mom is obviously someone who she is used to and trusts, and for the first few days, she'll howl and fuss, but dogs get over it fast.
My sister adopted a dog this fall, and then went to school for three months straight, 40 hours a week, 3 hours from home. My mom took in her dog, and within a few weeks, the dog was 100% bonded with my mom, and forgot all about my sister who he had lived with for three months.
They adjust.
If your mom is for it, I think that is the best solution for the dog and you. Putting her down seems extreme, but with age and health factored, not out of the question. As long as she's healthy though, and has a good quality of life, it's seems a shame to put her down for something so trivial.
Sending her to live with your mom is the best solution. At her age and with her health problems, she needs constant care. It sounds like now is not the time to put her down.
