When to Say Good-Bye???

What can we say....we are dog lovers and have fallen in love with our two Great Danes, Kusko and Bahlu. However, we all know there comes a time when we have to say good-bye. Kusko has always had joint problems since we adopted him 3 1/2 years ago. We've been able to manage it all through limited exercise, play, some pain meds, anti-inflammatories, glucosamine and fish oil, but within the past month his health has declined significantly. We've known this day would come but was hoping that he would make it beyond a mere 6 1/2 years of life.

Two years ago we had a neurologist give Kusko an exam and they determined that he may have had a torn ACL at one point that was never taken care of as well as some arthritis. They didn't think he had Wobblers (which was what we had taken him in for) since he was 4 years old at the time and most Danes are diagnosed while puppies. However, I wasn't convinced and have always thought that Kusko has Wobblers, which is an abnormality of the spine resulting in the compression of the spinal cord. Kusko is now unable to get up especially if he falls down (I don't know how much longer I can lift a dog that weighs as much as I do off of the floor). We've have put rugs down where he is most likely to fall, but even that isn't helping much anymore. He has now shown signs of losing control of his bladder and his front paws are beginning to knuckle when he's trying to step down or get out of his crate.

Both of these pictures have been taken within the past few days. In each one he has fallen and of course Ayla takes the opportunity to go say hello. Both dogs have been so good with her and she loves them dearly.

We don't want to make any quick decisions since he is very much a part of the family. Kusko has always been my walking companion and enjoyes his exercise. However, he hasn't been able to leave his house or even his crate for the past 6 weeks.

We have an appointment with the vet tonight to determine what our next and possible final step will be. We are hoping for a miracle but are prepared for the worst. The appointment will mainly be for counseling to determine his quality of life. We definately want him around as long as possible and as long as he's happy. Unfortunately, he has started to whine and cry quite often (and not only because of the pain), especially when we are heading out for a walk.

I've shed many tears in the past couple of weeks and am dreading the day when we will have to say good-bye. We love you Kusko and are so glad that you are part of our family.

This is a video of Ayla and Kusko from this afternoon. Ayla had escaped from me mid-dress as soon as she saw Kusko was on the floor.