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When do you say goodbye?

Over the past few months, the Beagle Bungalow has had to say good-bye to two of our seniors.  With 5 turning 16 this fall and others in poor health, we will be making the hard decision of when is the right time to let them go.

It is the hardest part of having these wonderful little hounds sharing your life.  You are responsible for knowing when living has become too hard or painful for your beloved pet. 

As they get older and start having medical problems, they will need to be seen more often than once a year.  Lab studies may need to be done every 3-6 months.  Medications to help their heart beat stronger and / or ease the discomfort of old arthritic joints are all things that can improve the quality of their lives.  Life is good if they are active and going outside to sniff the yard and enjoy the sunshine!  This is the time of their lives that they can get spoiled with shredded chicken and hot dogs to hide pills in! 

But there will come a time when they eat less and often refuse meals completely.  Restless wandering around often is an indicator of pain.  For some, they get confused and get stuck in corners of a room.  Or their legs just can’t carry them any longer.  If we truly love our pet, we will not prolong his life because of our need to keep him with us.  Each one takes a bit of your heart with them but it is so worth the joy they bring to our lives!

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