Sailor’s Story Loving a Hospice Dog Through the End
This is Sailor, my 14+ year old Bichon Frise mix hospice dog. About 2 years ago, I agreed to foster him without fully understanding how medically complex his condition was. Once I realized how serious everything was, I decided to see him through the rest of his life and eventually adopted him.
Sailor suffered from dementia/cognitive decline, severe sundowning, separation anxiety, chronic kidney disease, severe dental disease, blindness, deafness, frequent seizures, a collapsed trachea, and severe mobility decline. One emergency vet also suspected there may have been an underlying neurological condition or brain cancer as well.
He required multiple medications daily just to remain somewhat comfortable, and he was so neurologically sensitive that even stress, excitement, or medication administration could sometimes trigger seizures. Despite everything, he still loved being outside in his stroller, and that was often the only time he seemed fully at peace.
Caring for him was emotionally and physically exhausting at times. I already had pets of my own, and as someone with autism, the constant pacing, crying, nighttime wakeups, and medical care became very overwhelming. Still, I loved him deeply and wanted to give him comfort and safety during the final stage of his life.
We invested heavily into his care with emergency vet visits, medications, dental surgery, and ongoing appointments. After his dental procedure, he actually improved for a while. He gained weight, had more energy, and seemed brighter.
Unfortunately, his decline eventually became more severe. He became increasingly confused, lost mobility, needed assistance standing and eating, and cried frequently despite all of our efforts to keep him comfortable.
He was humanely euthanized 2 years ago, and looking back, I honestly think waiting longer would have only prolonged his suffering. That experience taught me that sometimes the kindest thing we can do for animals is let them go peacefully before things become unbearable. I learned that it’s better a couple months too early than a couple months too late.
I just wanted to share Sailor’s story so people know he was here, he existed, and he mattered. I still feel sad that he was surrendered near the end of his life. I know I don’t know his previous owner’s circumstances and I try not to judge, but I hope he knew he was deeply loved and cared for until the very end.