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Pts - Is It The Right Thing To Do?

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Jaycey said:
I always think that you can see it in their eyes when they're not happy. Only you and Gus know when it's time. Sometimes we have to make the tough decision for them.

I've had to make the decision a few times, and have also been too slow at doing anything and they've passed on themselves. Each and every time I think I've made the wrong choice, but that's just a sign of how much we love them. It was the right choice each time.

I always sit with them and talk to them. Look into their eyes and give them a hug. Are they happy? Are they enjoying their lives? Are they going to get better? If it's a no, then I have to decide that it's time to say Goodbye.

I'm really sorry that you have to make the choice, it's the worst part of being a piggy lover. But, it's something we have to do, and Gus will understand.
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The price of love is it's loss, and for the most part I find the price worth it. The good days we've had will always outweigh the bad.
It's such a tough decision, and no matter how they go there's always an element of guilt for us, but when they're suffering and as you've said, they're not getting better, then it's the right thing to do by them. I can't help but feel that I'm playing God, but it's purely out of love that I have come to this decision. It's going to break my heart, but it'll be worse if I drag it out knowing he's so unhappy :(
 
Exactly, it's the tough part of caring and loving them so much. You have compassion.

People who don't have the same connection with pigs won't see that they're suffering and will never have to face the choice because the pig makes it for them.

It breaks our heart every time, and makes us sad when we think of it, but overall the joy is always worth it.

I'm so sorry, hugs to you and Gus!
 
Big hugs to you both - enjoy your day together in the sunshine xx
 
gus+walter said:
When Walter was really poorly and we were fighting to save him, he had a moment where he 'let me know' (if that makes sense?) That he was ready to go. At that point I said "ok mate, I hear you." I gave him the biggest possible (gentle) cuddle and told him how proud I am of him and that I'm sorry he had to go through so much. Gus hasn't given me that clear 'moment' yet.
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This might make me sound a bit mad but have you asked him if he's ready to go? Tell him that you love him (he knows this already!) and that if he wants to go you are not going to hold him back. I think you will get an answer.
Much love to you and your piggies.
 
I told Noodles that it was ok to go if she wanted to - she just didn't want to stay without Nuggets.Wish i had more photos of them both - I have so few for all the years we spent together.
 
I'm sorry you're going through this. I think, as an owner who is in tune with your pet, you know when it's time. For me, it's down to quality of life. I've been lucky that my guinea pigs have all chosen their own time to go, but I have been in your shoes with a couple of my hedgehogs and I know it was definitely hard, but I did know when I made the choice because they were either imminently going to pass and I was just helping them along more peacefully or because their quality of life was so poor that it was unfair to keep them alive in that state. Many ((HUGS)) to you.
 
Sue and Smartie said:
This might make me sound a bit mad but have you asked him if he's ready to go? Tell him that you love him (he knows this already!) and that if he wants to go you are not going to hold him back. I think you will get an answer.
Much love to you and your piggies.
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I have (and it's not mad at all) both myself and daddy-pig sat with him and explained everything to him and why we think it's for the best. We told him that we'd miss him so bloody much, and it will be less like home without him, but we understand that he's in great discomfort and now has a rather poor quality of life so it's time for him to be with little Walter bear, the way it was meant to be. He'll always be apart of this family and have a very dear place in our hearts. Then the big question, "are you ready to go? Don't worry about us, we'll be fine and always love him." His sad little eyes gave us the answer. So today is Gus day, it's been too hot to take him out earlier but it's 5 in the evening now and has cooled down. I'm going to pop to the shop and get some munchies (even if he doesn't eat them, he likes the smells) and we'll all jump in a taxi and head up to the beautiful valley. I'll take lots of pictures (I'll post them in a new thread later) and make a real afternoon/evening of it :) tomorrow I'll call the vet and make the appointment, he's been through enough without dragging it out just because it's going to be heartbreakingly difficult for me.
Thanks to each and every one of you for all your advice, comments and well wishes! I can't tell you what it means to me x
 
7squeakers. said:
:( Reading this thread brings tears to my eyes. @gus+walter , how is he today? Did you take him to the valley?
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I'm sorry, I didn't want to make anyone cry or be near tears! He's very quiet today and is not taking to his feeds as well as usual. We'll be heading to the valley shortly for a 'pignic' and make a massive fuss of the little guy :)
 
You're so brave and are doing the absolute right thing for little Gus.

This is such a bittersweet thread and I am hoping you all have a lovely evening together.

I'm sorry for having to ask you this but who was the vet who was recommended to you from your own vet? I'm always on the look out for experienced vets.

I am thinking of you and Gus x
 
Claire W said:
You're so brave and are doing the absolute right thing for little Gus.

This is such a bittersweet thread and I am hoping you all have a lovely evening together.

I'm sorry for having to ask you this but who was the vet who was recommended to you from your own vet? I'm always on the look out for experienced vets.

I am thinking of you and Gus x
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Thank you :) it is bitter sweet and I'm sorry if it's upset anyone, but in my mind it's a good thing now. I know it's the right thing to do and he'll be happy again. It'll hurt like mad, but it's definitely the right choice.

I can't remember his exact name, but he is based in Chorton...or somewhere around that end. I think he's actually on the list of vets here too if that helps? My memory is totally pants these days!
 
I am so glad you have made a decision and also made peace with it.
I can't wait to hear about your very special pignic - what a wonderful way to celebrate his life.
 
You have clearly made the most difficult decision and tomorrow will be a very hard day for you. For today, I hope you all enjoy Gus' grass time in the beautiful valley and that you make beautiful memories to help you through the dark times to come.

Hugest hugs to you all xx
 
:( I'm on the verge of tears again! Thinking of you and Gus, sitting on the grass in the peaceful valley enjoying the sunshine. Giving him a lovely day out like that, before you say goodbye, is such a beautiful thing to do. Huge :hug:hugs to you at this heart-breaking time. If there is a guinea pig God, Gus will be re-united with Walter over the Rainbow Bridge. :bye:
 
When you can plan pts, you get to spend time with your boy, spoil him a lot, say your goodbyes. The downside is the sinking feeling of knowing what's coming. I think you are being very brave and a lovely caring piggy mum :)
 
Your pignic was such a lovely thing to do for Gus, what a wonderful mummy and daddy he has! I'll be thinking of you all today xx
 
Thinking of you today. You're a fabulous piggy mum. I've been following Gus' story through your Facebook page.

You're extremely brave to make the decision but being a responsible owner comes with these horrible moments at times.

I hope Gus finds Walter at the bridge and they popcorn together.

Sending huge hugs to you. X x x
 
The pictures are on a new thread called Pignic day for Gus :) I couldn't upload the video collage that my fiancé made of our day, but it's on the Pigs in Blankets page for anyone who follows or would like to see it.
I just want to thank you all again for all of the love, support and advice you have given me over the years. Because of you guys, he lived his life in a big C&C, on fleece and with the best and safest toys and had a very observant piggy mum. All because of what I've learnt from you all :) so a HUGE thank you from all of us for helping me give my boys (and future piggies) a beautiful life :luv::clap::hug:
 
Just been catching up on this after seeing some pics on facebook, I'm so sorry and thinking of you today :(
I really think you've done all you could, it really does sound like he has just given up. I think you've done completely right by him, I just feel for you so much as it's the hardest decision to make, but I always say it's the last act of kindness. Huge hugs to you.
 
gogoguineas said:
Just been catching up on this after seeing some pics on facebook, I'm so sorry and thinking of you today :(
I really think you've done all you could, it really does sound like he has just given up. I think you've done completely right by him, I just feel for you so much as it's the hardest decision to make, but I always say it's the last act of kindness. Huge hugs to you.
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Thank you so much, that really means a lot to me. And thanks for following our journey on Facebook :)
It's a sad and very difficult decision, but I've only cried once so far as I know in my heart it's the best decision for him. He's not happy and I won't force him to stay if his life will be miserable and filled with vets, dentals and meds. He means the world to me, all I've ever wanted was for him to be happy and this is definitely my final act of love and kindness.
It's for the best, and I'll never forget him or our bond as long as I live. It's the start of a new journey and means that I can rescue another piggy in need and share my love with them too in honour of little Gus (Gus and Walter started my obsession/love for piggies).
 
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