Both animals reached the top of their lifespans - a great feat! They both died naturally. From the first day they are unable to eat, walk, and interact, it will generally be 24-48 hrs before they die. I give them warmth and comfort at the end, many times holding them in my lap. I pefer to give pets palliative care until they die naturally, as in human hospice. Right now that is a movement only starting to take hold. Pain meds and anti anxiety meds are optimal at this stage and generally requires Vets to deliver the meds. a good article on the subject is in The NYTimes dtd 12/1/20013. "All Dogs May Go to Heaven. These Days, Some Go to Hospice"
Spot : 1999-2013
Spot lived a full life on the farm - he was the longest living - 15 years - of the mixed hound litter of 6 dogs that we bred unknowingly. Our respective dogs - Molly and Buddy - STRAYS - ended up mating. We did not know Molly was not spayed. We spay and neuter all our dogs and cats we have adopted over the years. This was a timing issue. The 6 puppies were Lucky boy, Haas, Lil Joe, Cherokee, Serenity, and Spot.
Spot was one of the amazing dogs - he was a really good hunter - catching alot of woodchucks - not by my asking - but on our runs over the years. Also, one time he found a wounded deer for hunters that had requested they walk our land to find her. Spot took me right to the deer.
He was slim and active like most hound dogs and he lived to the maximum lifespan of this breed which is always nice to see. Good bye Spot. We'll miss you on the farm.
Navejo: 1994-20013
This cat was fiercely independent - quite good looking - and very old when she died last week. It was good to see another animal live a full lifespan and have a good life on the farm.
