[Gpdd] RAINBOW BRIDGE: When is it time?

[warmbreath at comcast.net]

Dear Laura

I think you have to judge whether your darling is suffering or if there is 
still quality of life and factor it with you ability to provide the level of 
care needed. If there can be happiness but you must nurse and care for more 
hours in a day than are at all practical then you shouldn't feel guilty 
about making a bridge decision. With my Square Ed he was way past getting 
well but it was a Fri night and no way to get to his specialist so I gave 
him narcotics (less the Advil and acetaminophen additions) in case he 
actually got better I didn't want to have killed his liver or kidneys.  My 
thought process was he would go to the bridge quickly or at least be pain 
free till he did go. He was pain free but demanded to be carried around in a 
towel all wheekend. Late Monday he died very peacefully (holiday 
wheekend)still in a towel still in my arms, I even slept with him,  and 
seemed to enjoy himself even though he was incontinent and wouldn't eat. 
Since I had the time to devote I thought it was OK that he wait till he was 
ready or I could go to the specialist(closed for wheekend).  If the 
circumstances had been different, unrelieved pain, lack of time to nurse 
etc. I would have taken him to a local vet for a bridge trip. Either way 
please accept your decision without guilt as you have provided a fine and 
full life and made the best possible decision for end of life.  I will miss 
hearing about Sir Frodo the Vacant very much plus he has one of the best all 
time piggy names. I am so sorry this time has come. Sadly and with love 
Sandy and Sammy