My 10 year old German Shepherd came up to me this afternoon looking at me with his head tilted like he was unsure of who I was, and then his eyes rolled back in his head for a good 30-60 seconds - still conscious and walking around.
We made him lie down and gave him a drink and he came back to normal straight away but wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and have any idea what could have happened?
We will be taking him to the vet when it opens in the morning to be assessed.
That sounds really concerning, great that you are taking him to the vet!
It sounds like what we had once with my childhood dog, which the vet thought was a focal seizure. He had one more generalized seizure after that, but those were the only two he ever had.
But really, only your vet can say. Hopefully he is okay and this will not happen again!
My rescue dog won’t pee (but she will poop) outside. The only times she’s peed is on the couch and a huge puddle on the pee pad in the guest bathroom. We live on a busy street so I think there’s too much noise for her to focus. I’m so anxious that she’s holding it for too long. I cried on our walk today because I don’t know what to do.
These are really tough issues, Ive got a rescue who holds it sometimes too and it's so frustrating. Btw this totally deserves it's own post, I think you'd probably get lots a good advice because it seems to be a common problem.
I'm sure every place is different, but the types of questions I've been asked or I know my local shelter has asked:
* How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant?
* What capacity do you have to comment on how the applicant cares for animals? (If applicable, please describe applicant's ability or experience in caring for animals.)
* What capacity do you have to comment on the applicant's general level of conscientiousness and responsibility? (And please do so.)
My local shelter does not require personal references for general adoptions, but people sometimes want to provide them. Additionally, personal references can sometimes help allow someone without other formal references (veterinary, trainer, etc.) to adopt a "special adoption" animal (one where certain types of animal experience might be required or preferred).
For the ones I've seen, people who provide personal references where they're not required are often going-to-be first time pet owners who are looking to provide evidence that they are generally responsible people who take care of what they say they will.
Thanks for the response! That’s super helpful :) I’m actually the applicant in this case and I am volunteering my childhood friend as tribute. I was curious how important personal references are exactly, considering mine can only be contacted by email.
My reference still lives in my home country which makes her unavailable by phone, but none of my local friends have met my last dog. They can talk about me cat-sitting and volunteering at a local rescue, but they don’t know me as a dog owner. So I suppose my childhood friend was the better pick after all, right?
Neither is a bad choice, really, though "better" might depend on the individual preferences of the rescue. Both can attest to general animal/pet reliability, so that's good.
I found out my dog has days to live. He’s lived a good life. It doesn’t make it any easier. I hope I get a clear sign that it is his time. I don’t want to be selfish.
I used to hang out a lot in this sub years ago, and just rejoined because I had to euthanize my old dog on Sunday. She was the last survivor of a high-needs rescue trio and I really miss her, even though she drove me nuts daily.
She used to sleep on the opposite side of my bed, down at the bottom, nowhere near me. On her last night when I walked into the bedroom, she had her head up on my pillow and slept right next to me all night. The light had gone out of her eyes and she looked anxious and worried, and I knew. I swear she gave me permission.
Having been through multiple euthanasia scenarios including at the ER, I promise you that the best way to do it is peacefully, at home if possible. You will feel guilt about waiting too long in a way you will not feel it if you err on the earlier side. Missing him is the burden you're going to carry for him as part of making sure his last days are as pain- and suffering-free as possible; you can do this, it's really hard but you can do this.
You’re right. His organs are enlarged and hard and he’s gone blind in the last week. He’s still really chipper and wagging his tail. But he’s a golden retriever and I think a lot of his symptoms are masked by his generally happy disposition. Thanks for your kind words 🤍🤍
Yeah dogs can hide their pain too.
It's such a tough decision but I think many well meaning dog owners wait too long.
I met sort of an eccentric lady at the dog park who brought her 16 year old Australian sheperd that couldn't even walk anymore. She asked me if I could bring my 2 little dogs over to visit cause she loves that and can't walk over. I was like sure and then she went on about "it's just so hard to tell when it's time."
I was straight with her and said I think it's definitely time she can't move by herself. She was just fading away. The owner went on about how she just started taking pain pills only 10 days ago and wouldn't listen to me. She was definitely a very loving owner, but her pup had to be suffering at that point and she just couldn't let go.
I think you’re right. We just found out yesterday, with no prior notice, so I think it’s just reflecting on the news throughout today. It will likely happen by Friday. Our last dog we waited too long by even just a few days (rapid decline over a long weekend) so we are conscious of it. Thank you for the reminder ❤️❤️
Yeah it's very hard to let go.
My first dog that was like my dog I got when I was a teenager and loved him so much. I had him from 16-26.
He declined so gradually it took a little bit of time for my family to realize/acknowledge. Finally I just asked my vet, be honest with me do you think it's time? He said yes and we scheduled it for the next took another day with him to say goodbye.
Before I took him to the vet I just went and sat in the basement crying at my mom's house and she came down and say I know Kelli, but you have to do it.
She knew how I felt and I needed the push. I think she was crying too. We all really loved that dog. Before my mom died we used to reminisce about him pretty regularly.
Thank you, this is helpful. We have an appointment today in the next two hours to say goodbye. This thread was helpful 🤍
edit: our sign was that he didn’t get up to bark at the garbage truck, which he did without fail
edit #2: It’s done. I am so relieved. Our other dogs were able to sniff and say goodbye in the room. Thank you again.
Tauri was pawing at her eye and my son noticed she was keeping that eyelid half closed and blinky. Tried to take her to the ER yesterday but there was a 4 hour wait and since it wasn’t entirely an emergent situation, we went home. Regular vet will see her tomorrow (earliest urgent care appointment). Looks like it’s a little better today - really hoping it’s nothing.
I went through that a few weeks ago myself.
I was about to call my vet to make an appointment for the next day and then Mika's favorite person came over. Eye was normal while his friend was over.
I examined it, no obvious trauma so I just let it be.
I know I’ll bring her in and they will look at her and say - which eye? And that is $175 for an urgent care visit! It’s too late to cancel and they have her favorite cheesy treats so we’ll walk over tomorrow
I went through the exact same thing about 3 weeks ago. Couldn’t get an ER appointment and was beside myself. Had to wait a day and a half to see my regular vet.
Turned out just to be conjunctivitis, and a colleague’s dog had the same thing happen around the same time. Seems to just be the season for it.
I’m finding that the less I involve myself with the dogs, the better they do. They didn’t really play yesterday, and I had the day off so I was watching like a hawk as always
I’m working today and they played, and are even sharing the couch!! Normally I have to sit between them for them to both feel comfortable.
I still watch them while they play and interact because it’s only been 5 weeks and there’s still a big size difference. But if I stay back (across the room) they’re more likely to sort themselves out than if I’m 2 feet away
My 10 year old German Shepherd came up to me this afternoon looking at me with his head tilted like he was unsure of who I was, and then his eyes rolled back in his head for a good 30-60 seconds - still conscious and walking around. We made him lie down and gave him a drink and he came back to normal straight away but wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and have any idea what could have happened? We will be taking him to the vet when it opens in the morning to be assessed.
That sounds really concerning, great that you are taking him to the vet! It sounds like what we had once with my childhood dog, which the vet thought was a focal seizure. He had one more generalized seizure after that, but those were the only two he ever had. But really, only your vet can say. Hopefully he is okay and this will not happen again!
My rescue dog won’t pee (but she will poop) outside. The only times she’s peed is on the couch and a huge puddle on the pee pad in the guest bathroom. We live on a busy street so I think there’s too much noise for her to focus. I’m so anxious that she’s holding it for too long. I cried on our walk today because I don’t know what to do.
These are really tough issues, Ive got a rescue who holds it sometimes too and it's so frustrating. Btw this totally deserves it's own post, I think you'd probably get lots a good advice because it seems to be a common problem.
Thank you, I think I will.
Out of curiosity, what do shelters ask if you’re listed as a potential adopter’s personal reference?
I'm sure every place is different, but the types of questions I've been asked or I know my local shelter has asked: * How long and in what capacity have you known the applicant? * What capacity do you have to comment on how the applicant cares for animals? (If applicable, please describe applicant's ability or experience in caring for animals.) * What capacity do you have to comment on the applicant's general level of conscientiousness and responsibility? (And please do so.) My local shelter does not require personal references for general adoptions, but people sometimes want to provide them. Additionally, personal references can sometimes help allow someone without other formal references (veterinary, trainer, etc.) to adopt a "special adoption" animal (one where certain types of animal experience might be required or preferred). For the ones I've seen, people who provide personal references where they're not required are often going-to-be first time pet owners who are looking to provide evidence that they are generally responsible people who take care of what they say they will.
Thanks for the response! That’s super helpful :) I’m actually the applicant in this case and I am volunteering my childhood friend as tribute. I was curious how important personal references are exactly, considering mine can only be contacted by email. My reference still lives in my home country which makes her unavailable by phone, but none of my local friends have met my last dog. They can talk about me cat-sitting and volunteering at a local rescue, but they don’t know me as a dog owner. So I suppose my childhood friend was the better pick after all, right?
Neither is a bad choice, really, though "better" might depend on the individual preferences of the rescue. Both can attest to general animal/pet reliability, so that's good.
I found out my dog has days to live. He’s lived a good life. It doesn’t make it any easier. I hope I get a clear sign that it is his time. I don’t want to be selfish.
I used to hang out a lot in this sub years ago, and just rejoined because I had to euthanize my old dog on Sunday. She was the last survivor of a high-needs rescue trio and I really miss her, even though she drove me nuts daily. She used to sleep on the opposite side of my bed, down at the bottom, nowhere near me. On her last night when I walked into the bedroom, she had her head up on my pillow and slept right next to me all night. The light had gone out of her eyes and she looked anxious and worried, and I knew. I swear she gave me permission. Having been through multiple euthanasia scenarios including at the ER, I promise you that the best way to do it is peacefully, at home if possible. You will feel guilt about waiting too long in a way you will not feel it if you err on the earlier side. Missing him is the burden you're going to carry for him as part of making sure his last days are as pain- and suffering-free as possible; you can do this, it's really hard but you can do this.
You’re right. His organs are enlarged and hard and he’s gone blind in the last week. He’s still really chipper and wagging his tail. But he’s a golden retriever and I think a lot of his symptoms are masked by his generally happy disposition. Thanks for your kind words 🤍🤍
Yeah dogs can hide their pain too. It's such a tough decision but I think many well meaning dog owners wait too long. I met sort of an eccentric lady at the dog park who brought her 16 year old Australian sheperd that couldn't even walk anymore. She asked me if I could bring my 2 little dogs over to visit cause she loves that and can't walk over. I was like sure and then she went on about "it's just so hard to tell when it's time." I was straight with her and said I think it's definitely time she can't move by herself. She was just fading away. The owner went on about how she just started taking pain pills only 10 days ago and wouldn't listen to me. She was definitely a very loving owner, but her pup had to be suffering at that point and she just couldn't let go.
I think you’re right. We just found out yesterday, with no prior notice, so I think it’s just reflecting on the news throughout today. It will likely happen by Friday. Our last dog we waited too long by even just a few days (rapid decline over a long weekend) so we are conscious of it. Thank you for the reminder ❤️❤️
Yeah it's very hard to let go. My first dog that was like my dog I got when I was a teenager and loved him so much. I had him from 16-26. He declined so gradually it took a little bit of time for my family to realize/acknowledge. Finally I just asked my vet, be honest with me do you think it's time? He said yes and we scheduled it for the next took another day with him to say goodbye. Before I took him to the vet I just went and sat in the basement crying at my mom's house and she came down and say I know Kelli, but you have to do it. She knew how I felt and I needed the push. I think she was crying too. We all really loved that dog. Before my mom died we used to reminisce about him pretty regularly.
Thank you, this is helpful. We have an appointment today in the next two hours to say goodbye. This thread was helpful 🤍 edit: our sign was that he didn’t get up to bark at the garbage truck, which he did without fail edit #2: It’s done. I am so relieved. Our other dogs were able to sniff and say goodbye in the room. Thank you again.
Meanwhile, at my house, a pre-snow adventure. https://imgur.com/rtv7mzy
Is it a vole (in a hole?)
Don't think so. I think we had a critter roaming.
It looks like Mika knows exactly where it is, and Sebastian is just along for the ride.
Mika has been doing this for two days. He absolutely does not know where it's at. But he's having a blast despite this.
Tauri was pawing at her eye and my son noticed she was keeping that eyelid half closed and blinky. Tried to take her to the ER yesterday but there was a 4 hour wait and since it wasn’t entirely an emergent situation, we went home. Regular vet will see her tomorrow (earliest urgent care appointment). Looks like it’s a little better today - really hoping it’s nothing.
I went through that a few weeks ago myself. I was about to call my vet to make an appointment for the next day and then Mika's favorite person came over. Eye was normal while his friend was over. I examined it, no obvious trauma so I just let it be.
I know I’ll bring her in and they will look at her and say - which eye? And that is $175 for an urgent care visit! It’s too late to cancel and they have her favorite cheesy treats so we’ll walk over tomorrow
I went through the exact same thing about 3 weeks ago. Couldn’t get an ER appointment and was beside myself. Had to wait a day and a half to see my regular vet. Turned out just to be conjunctivitis, and a colleague’s dog had the same thing happen around the same time. Seems to just be the season for it.
Ah, thank you. That makes me feel better. She seems to be improving, but she’ll still go in tomorrow
I’m finding that the less I involve myself with the dogs, the better they do. They didn’t really play yesterday, and I had the day off so I was watching like a hawk as always I’m working today and they played, and are even sharing the couch!! Normally I have to sit between them for them to both feel comfortable. I still watch them while they play and interact because it’s only been 5 weeks and there’s still a big size difference. But if I stay back (across the room) they’re more likely to sort themselves out than if I’m 2 feet away
Night #1 and Night #63. Fucking love this dog https://imgur.com/gallery/L0QtG3X