The time may have come to say goodbye

For the last week Hazel has been limping badly. She can hardly weight bear on her left front leg, however she can still get up and down the stairs and even sometimes up onto my bed for a snooze. She is eating fine but mostly just soft food as her teeth are wearing down fast.

She is pacing a lot. Though she is limping, she still paces, with a lot of panting. I'm pretty sure this is a sign of distress.

She is unable to go for walks anymore because she is in obvious pain.

She doesn't always make it outside to go to the toilet. She sometimes falls down the stairs in her haste to go. I leave the light on at night so she can see where she is going. Her sight is failing. I clean up her accidents...

When she is lying down, or sleeping, she is fine.

Is that a life??

I have added Tramadol to her analgesia mix. I have recently upped the dose and am hoping it will help. I am running out of options.

I have a vet appointment on Friday with a vet I've known for years. I'm having to change vet practices in order to see her because I believe her to be compassionate with what is going to be a very frank discussion. I don't have that rapport with the revolving door of vets at my old practice.

I see no point prolonging Hazel's distress. If she can no longer run and play is there a point in continuing her life? My feelings are irrelevant - sure I don't want to let her go - but it is her welfare which is paramount.

I hope there are still options, but I am prepared to make the hard decision if there aren't. Of course I will be devastated, but it's something all pet owners know will happen some day.

Wish me luck