Looking for some input/advice from pet lovers, please.

[Obamarama]

Please read this thread over in the "pets" group: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x36542

Posting this quick link here because that forum only gets limited traffic. Please leave any replies on that forum and not here in GD. Thanks much!

[ChiciB1]

1. I Sympathize, But Can't Give You A GOOD Answer... I Have A Cat That

I rescued that has feline leukemia. He still eats well and seems to be doing fine, but he's sneezing more and more and I KNOW the illness is advancing. I have a chocolate lab and my vet told me she won't catch it, but this cat does come in the house, but has been used to the outdoors.

Lately he has begun to stay in the house more, but still is skittish as he must have been an outside cat for some time. I wonder if I should have him put down too. It's a real dilemma for me also because he may just die somewhere outside and I won't find him.

I HAVE had to put down some of my most beloved animals before and it hurts to this day. Wish I could give you more advice, but can only wish you the best.

I live in Florida... so NO SNOW!!

[ogneopasno]

2. I can't reply there because I'm not a donor.

But after 17.5 years, the dog has had a good life, and I would put it down. It's done being a dog. My thoughts are with you; it's a hard decision.

[MadHound]

3. Personally, I would heat the room that she is in

Or let her into the main part of the house. My personal opinion is that we don't put down humans for incontinence, why should we do so with animals?

[mrcheerful]

4. Re training might not be the problem, at such an advanced age

it might be the pets system getting weak and the pet no longer can control its bladder or BM. When you take the pet outside after eating it might not have the urge to go. Realisticaly, your either stuck cleaning up after the pet for the next couple of years, not many pets live longer then 15 years ( dogs and cats ) and you could be seeing the last year of the pets life, I'm not a vet, but I been around animals all my life and have seen pets do these types of things towards the end of life.

[Greyhound]

5. Can't reply to the group.

You can do what you're doing in the breezeway, but outdoors. She's a Cairn, so she has an ample coat and MI winter is a powerful motivator, what you've done with the breezeway thing is to teach her she can poop in relative warmth if she pushes you.

Terriers are the best and worst dogs, they are so full of energy and personality and they are very smart, sometimes too smart. They have a nearly indomitable will and every time you give up, she learns that she calls the shots.

There is no need to put her down.

[obamaforme]

6. This is a tough choice to make

If the dog poops in the house, limit her access. Put a portable heater in the area that is not heated. Poor doggie. I would not know what to do if my dog would be in that position. Let her live the rest of her days that she has left.

you can go to http://www.Petlovers.com for more advice from petlovers who know what you are talking about.

[Obamarama]

7. Cool..thanks for the link! eot