My mother owns a 14 year old Brittany that is one of the last pieces of my dad, who passed away a year ago, and I am very concerned about the dogs well being and happiness. The dog is so sweet but has really gone downhill in the last year since losing my dad, specifically:
- the dog is nearly totally deaf and we think her eyesight is nearly gone. She wonât go outside at night unless my mom takes her and often runs into walls and things.
- the dog has become overweight since my dad left and my mom wonât put her on a diet. She should weigh around 35 lbs but weighs 42.
- the dog can barely walk and falls down a lot. Her weight is not helping.
- the dog has dementia and sundowns every night now.
- the dog has growths all over her body, including around her eyes and feet. The vet says they are benign but they impede her vision and ability to walk.
- the dog is only interested in eating.
- the dog no longer recognizes me or my brother. She thinks men my dadâs height are my dad and she becomes excited, but is scared of other men, including my brother who lived with her and hunted with her longer. The dog is more responsive to me and I never lived in the same house as her, but she no longer recognizes me and initially flinches if I try to pet her.
- I think the dog has congestive heart failure because of how she breathes. My mom canât really afford to get a diagnosis.
- the dog has some illness that makes her unable to control her bladder. Sheâs on expensive medication to treat it that my mom can barely afford. My mom prioritizes the dogs medication and vet treatment over her own health and my mom is NOT young.
All in all, the quality of life doesnât seem to be there anymore. I am not there every day, but I spent the past weekend with my mom and the dog and was horrified at how badly the dog had deteriorated since Iâd last seen her in late August. My mom is supposedly taking her to the vet every other week or so, but I donât know if I buy it. The dog looks horrible and itâs so sad because she used to look healthy and cute, even just six months ago.
Respectfully, I think it is the dogs time and itâs unfair to keep her alive in these conditions. I really think my mom is holding on because she was my dadâs dog and itâs one of the last living memories of him besides me and my brother. My mom said sheâs aware the dog might have to be put down soon but doesnât seem willing to even discuss it beyond vague specifics. I am just so concerned about the dog and her health. I shared info about at home euthanasia and even pet hospice and offered to be there and to help cover the cost but it was like talking to a brick wall.
Does anyone have advice or resources on how to talk to my mother about this? We owned Brits all our lives and there was another dog that suffered for so long because my dad wouldnât let her go (to the point where a tumor was visible and had totally altered the dogs face). That was horrific to witness and I donât want this to happen to this poor girl. Thank you for kind and tactful advice specific to Brits.