Dog being put down this week
Hi everybody,
I am currently a dog walker and pet sitter for a neighbor of mine and I’ve been doing that for about six months now. I’ve dog sat for them many times. Sometimes as long as a week straight. They have a younger dog that is about a year old and an older dog who I think is about 13 years old.
The family recently told me that they were planning to put the older dog down this week. However, I feel conflicted because I don’t believe it’s ‘his time’ yet. I definitely trust the family and I don’t think they would do this on a whim. Maybe there is an underlying condition that I haven’t been told and don’t feel that it’s my place to ask? His hearing is mostly gone. He can still see fine and he’s on a joint medication, but is well enough that he can jump on the couch and get up and down the stairs. Sometimes he will pee himself in his sleep, but other than that, he really seems to be in good health, which makes me question their decision.
Obviously, I want to be respectful and understanding during this tough time. I’ve brought him lots of treats and even made a dog cake for him. I took lots of pictures and made a picture frame that I will give to them next week after their vet appointment. Tomorrow is the last day I will see him. Is there any way to appropriately ask why they made this decision before it’s too late? I’ve worked with many dogs who are in much worse conditions than he is and he’s not in a state (at least from the outside) that I would consider end of life treatment necessary. I don’t see him in pain at all. I really just don’t know how to address it.
Any and all ideas, suggestions, advice, and similar stories are appreciated! Thank you all 🫶