3 weeks ago went to the vet cause we moved and to establish a new vet, got bloodwork done and etc. dudes been acting normal and like his old self. Got a call a day later and his bloodwork reveals he is in stage 4 of kidney disease. Complete shock, dude is only 7 years old and acting like his self. Only cares about his ball, loves going on walks and is absolutely ridiculous. Is the sweetest most loving dog ever in the whole world, just likes to cuddle and loves anyone he meets. So fast forward to 2 days ago, he’s still acting somewhat normal but he really hasn’t been eating at all… his anti nausea meds and appetite stimulant meds not really working and not eating anything even s*** he’s not supposed to eat with this disease. We go to his 3 week checkup and get him on some fluids to flush out his kidneys, and take some more bloodwork.

They called back yesterday and his values have nearly doubled since his diagnosis (which was already stage 4). They had us bring him to emergency vet and they had 2 options for us. Hospitalize him and have him on machines for 3-5 days until they get him stable. Kidneys remain permanently damaged, then manage it the rest of his life, and they told us specifically that this is just mitigating it and the values most likely would just spike up again in a week and we would have to repeat this. Or put him down.

Hin being hooked up on machines without us and potentially dying there alone isn’t the way to go, and we arnt ready yet so we brought him home, had friends and family visit yesterday, and today we are just gonna give him the best day possible.

Doctor said he’s not in pain yet, and the meds he’s on disguises it so he doesn’t even know he’s sick. But if we prolong it it will be he is actually in pain and sickly and it’s like flipping a switch and will be awful for him.

We are going to bring him to the vet tomorrow to put him down this is f***ing awful love this guy so much.

Here’s some pics of the silly guy. His name is Desmond. We named him after the guy in smiling friends first episode they go to make happy cause he always looks so depressed like he wants to kill himself

losing a pet is the worst man

Worst part of owning pets is when that time comes to an end, but at least you poured a lot of love into him

Never enough years with a pet but 7 years is too early sorry OP

this is a sad day but there will be happier ones later

rip to a beautiful creature

Didn’t even know him the full 7. He’s a rescue. vet said he was “4” then (guess, they don’t really know) and that was 3 years ago. Too damn soon

aw man — sorry brother. looks like a happy boy. stay strong! cant imagine what that's going to feel like.

I hear some owners give their dogs chocolate on their last days, which is what I think I will do whenever that time comes for my guy. might be a nice final experience!

Even worse but good on you for rescuing him and giving him 3 years of love

pretty boy

dammit man I'm sorry

worst part of pet ownership, but you're saving him from a lot of suffering. sorry to hear this hope he has a great day ​

I'm so sorry

It’s never easy but a day too early is always better than a day too late. I put my dog down in 2023 and it still kills me to this day. If you can, I’d suggest finding someone who can do a home visit versus taking them to the vet so they are in the comfort of their own home versus some strange scary place

he looks like a sweet pup
condolences 🫂

sorry for your loss @op when I had to put down my dog it was the worst feeling in the world. I hope you can find some solace today

He looks like a good boy, man i hate you gotta go thru this
Love brotha
All dogs go to heaven

One of the worst feelings in the world. My 13yo had renal neoplasia and they gave him a few days to live. I got a second opinion for the best vet in the state, switched his diet, gave him the meds and he made a few days past his 14th birthday.

Hang in there OP!

We went to another vet for the 3 week checkup for a second opinion and they gave us a whole plan and were hopeful until the second bloodwork came back

I’m sure you gave them a good life

We getting it done at this vet place which is very nice and not hospitaly. Would love to get it at home but the upcharge was insane. His family is coming with him and he will be surrounded by people he love tomorrow

I feel that. I did the same thing. Sorry about your loss man

I’m praying for you and your family. I went through something similar and even turned to ktt for emotional support (cat was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Went from being healthy to talks of needing to put him down in literal minutes)
He was given 1-2 months to live but the little geezer is still here with us after 5 months.

Your buddy loves you more than anything, and he doesn’t want to see you sad. I hope god gives you the strength to get through this. We got you here too 💙

I also want to add that we are eventually going to look into at home euthanasia for him. He doesn’t do well in hospital settings and I want him to go out in his own territory. Lil kid loves to protect this home of any threat (lizards, insects, etc) he’ll die doing what he loves

give Desmond a good chin scratch on my behalf @op

Was telling my gf if he wants he can go after and bite the mail man today if he is being put down. Go out on his own terms

Hard as hell cause other than not eating. He truely is still himself. Gets so f***ing excited when I ask him to go on a walk, does a whole dance and barks excitedly. Still wants to play fetch and never give up. It’s so hard when they don’t even act sick…. Feels like I’m robbing him of more days. But his bloodwork and numbers are so f***ing bad I don’t want him to suffer