Bulldogs World

Oliver is 11 and his back is bad and his back legs are getting weaker and I can see he has some pain.  He is on several different medications for it, but he still enjoys his food and has control of his bodily functions.  I'm dreading having to make that decision.  I've always felt that when they lose interest in their food it would be time.  Good luck to you both.

to do. If it's me I would not put him down so easy. If he is still walking and eating and still going outside he still have some life to live. You said he was 14 years. Is he and English Bulldog or mix? I seldom see English Bulldog 14 years old. I would like know what you did to keep him alive for so many years. Your Mind and Heart will tell you the right time after all your know your boy best.  

So I didn't love him any more or any less than the dedicated owners on this site.  I didn't get him any more or less exercise - as he always hated walking.  He was always somewhat trim - ranging from 55 - 62 pounds....while not light he wasn't a large beefy bulldog.

Duffy was bred from Alice Malson out of California.  I thought she was great but I hear from online she was accused of being a puppy mill or something...LOL.  I think much of this comes down to genes.  He just maybe lucky.

He had muscle mass until he was 11 or so.  I used to go to Lloyd Shaw, DVM in Woodstock IL and he had 100s of Bulldog patiends and the oldest he said he saw back a few years ago was 13 years old.

I am not taking the thought of putting him down lightly - hence my post.

He still eats, still barks, still climbs stairs....he walks slowly, ears perk up rarely...no tail waging (hasn't for years), bumps into walls, pees a few times a day on his bed.  I carry him downstairs to pee outside.....he eats, pees and sleeps.

I do hold him and he licks me.  So I am likely not to put him down....but I wonder if other owners struggle too?

We have resuable / washable pee pads and our utility expense has risen due to more washing of the bedding.

I have Ramydl and glucosmine but I will look at Tamacor (sp?) with my Vet.

I will miss him....its just such an ominous cloud on the horizon. 

Our old boy has been having back issues for going on two years. We have him on  natural supplements and amino caprioc acid to slow down his issues. Each winter we feel blessed that he has made it through another as the cold and snow is difficult for him. I have thought long and hard about what we will do when the time comes.  He still gets up does his daily routine enjoys butt scratches and ear rubs and has that bulldog appetite. We 've agreed that if and when he cannot walk on his own and looses control of bodily functions or is in pain that will be time. I think that in your heart you will know when it is time to say goodbye. Until that time comes love him hug him and talk to him. He may not interact as much but believe me he knows you are there! Bully hugs and prayers to you and yours!  

I believe the dog`s quality of life is the first consideration, which I know all of you agree with. Whether they slowly deteriorate, or go suddenly like Mr. Higgins did, the pain is still agony. 

Although I have rescued a bulldog/Cavalier Spaniel mix and am very busy training this boy who was never socialized, my pain remains and I still find myself crying almost daily. I am so sorry so many of you have elderly dogs who are slowing down. I know first hand how painful the loss is. I have lost 2 bulldogs.

I am sure the correct decision will be made, I am never sure how the dog "let`s you know." but I was not in that position.

I miss this board and talking about my special boy. Enjoy your bullies while you can.

Deborah Watson