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Jerry - Decisions to be made!

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furryfriends (TEAS)

furryfriends (TEAS)

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To add to the list of problems little Jerry has, ie. severe dental issues causing dreadful ulceration in the mouth, he has now developed an abscess. Now it's highly likely that the abscess has been brewing for a very long time, and in fact Jerry seems brighter and more
willing to eat softened nuggets and even drink from the water bottle since this abcess erupted. However, his weight is low and his quality of life has recently been in question. To add to all this, the abscess is large and deep.


Therefore I have a decision to make -

Do we put Jerry to sleep tomorrow? or
Do we try surgery, which of course may not be successful, Jerry may not be up to it and succomb anyway, and is this just one thing too much for this special little guy to deal with?

I've always felt I am a very practical person, and am lead by my head and not my heart (this is the only reason I am able to do what I do, with running a sanctuary for these piggies with extra needs). However, I am really struggling with this one.

Of course, there is always the chance that this could be the very thing we need to turn Jerry around, although his teeth are the worse that Simon has ever seen, or it could just prolong the inevitable, and Jerry could suffer needlessly.

Right now my head is all over the place, and I just wish I knew how this would go.

This is by far the hardest thing I have dealt with since starting the Sanctuary, and it is going to be such a difficult decision.
 
Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer you advice on what to do about Jerry. We definitely feel for you as it is obviously not an easy decision for you to make. Its true your head will tell you one thing and your heart another. We know that Jerry is only here because of the dedication and care that you have given him and our hearts go out to you tonight and we are sending you massive hugs during this difficult time.

Lisa & Ali xx
 
aww i wish i could help you and give you an answer, but i cant. You know Jerry, you will know if he has been through enough and if he can cope with surgery etc.

Whatever you decide will be for the right reasons.

How many times do wish we could see into the future and know what the outcome would be. I dont envy you, but you know we will all be here to offer support whatever happens, big hugs to you and Jerry xx
 
Sorry you have to make this tough call. Only you know Jerry and whatever you decide will be the right choice for him. My heart goes out to you, these decisions are agonising to make. Big hugs x
 
I'm so sorry that you have to make this decision. I think in your heart you know the right decision as you're the one that knows Jerry best. I really feel for you. Big hugs for you and gentle ear scritches for Jerry x
 
I echo what everyone else has said Debbie, only you know Jerry and you will make the right choice by him, but i think while he is showing signs of wanting to carry on, (if it were my piggie) i would try surgery as i personally would always be asking myself what if otherwise......

xx
 
Feeling for you Debbie and sending vibes your way xx
 
I think back to earlier in the year when star seemed paralysed. I was fully prepared to bathe her daily as long as she was bright and eating and only look at PTS if she went off her food completely. We have her that chance and she made a full recovery. Only you know Jerry and how he is in himself but if he has perked up perhaps he is telling you something.
 
I've got such a lot to do, but can't settle to do anything. Simon and I talked at length tonight about it, and there isn't a right or wrong decision, but one thing's for sure, it's such a crap situation to be in. I love the little guy so much, but it may be that letting him go is the last act of love I can show him. If I do go ahead with the surgery, Simon and I have both agreed that if he is still struggling or if things deteriorate again very quickly, then he will be put to sleep.

I'll make the right decision for Jerry. Running a Sanctuary like this is always going to involve difficult situations and decisions, but it can be so rewarding, and we have made such a difference to so many piggies lives.

Thank you for all the kind words and hugs. Whichever way we decide to go the next few days are going to be difficult.x
 
HUGS

These things are never easy to decide when your head says one thing and your heart another... In the end you have to go with what feels better and accept that you will have to live the doubt.
 
Oh Debbie, this must be awful for you. Whatever you decide or whatever happens, you have done nothing but fight for Jerry & have given him an already extended quality of life & you should be so proud of yourself. I hope you manage to get some sleep - big hugs to you x
 
I have only ever had to PTS one of my pets - my 11 year old American Eskimo dog Shelly 20 years ago. Despite 3 other dogs, a cat, a hamster and 3 parrots who all died peacefully in old age, my Shelly is the one pet I grieve for the most to this day. I take comfort from the fact that I and my vet were able to prolong Shelly's life by 4 years. But when that life became a misery for her, I had to let her go. I do not envy you this decision at all, but you should take comfort from the fact that you have managed to give Jerry a longer life than he would have otherwise had.
 
What a horrid position to be in, Debbie, and I feel for you. Because of you Jerry has lived well, but I can only echo what the others have said - at the end of the day, you will make the right decision, and we all support you, whatever that decision is.
 
Oh Debbie *hugs* How horrible for you. Making a choice like this is never easy but know we are all with you no matter what the outcome.

Stay strong.

Amy
x
 
As you can imagine, I have barely slept. However, I have made a decision, and as long as Simon feels Jerry is up to it, he will undergo surgery this afternoon.

I am fully aware that we may lose Jerry during the op, and even if he comes through it, there are no guarantees that he is going to have a better life quality. Also, if at any point I feel that Jerry is suffering, he will be put to sleep immediately.

I am tearing myself apart with the thought that I may be going against the ethos of the Sanctuary, but I feel he needs to be given this very last chance, and it is definitely the last!

I will keep you all posted, and thank you for all your support and kind words. It means such a lot x
 
Thinking of you and Jerry today, he's in the best of hands with you and Simon. x x
 
Fingers very firmly crossed for Jerry and you!
 
I'm thinking of both you and Jerry at this very tough time. I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed x
 
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