End of Life Care

This video tribute's Olive, our senior greyhound who went over the rainbow bridge the summer of 2020, and discusses common ailments such as lack of appetite, blindness, and weakness in the legs. Recommendations for how to care for them during this difficult time are presented.
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[@repton_3]

I called my 'peaceful pet goodbye' vet in the middle of the night for my grey rather than wait until the next morning. When she arrived at my house and I apologised for calling her so late, she said to me, "better a day too early than a day too late". I'll never forget that.

[@janetduelley3001]

My greyhound was with me for 13½ years. Unfortunately I was still working at the time and had to leave her in the kennel all day. The last year or so, she was incontinent. I put puppy pads down for her at night, but she usually missed them. I came home one day and she couldn't stand up anymore. I had to take her to the emergency vet clinic to have her out down. She was the best dog I ever had. She was a black and white tuxedo dog. My tuxedo cat was madly in love with her. They were always together. After she passed my cat was really sad for a while. Her racing name was Grandma Said So. Grandma for short. She loved everybody and they loved 💕 her back. I love seeing your videos. It reminds me of my baby.

[@rickbengle5240]

My Greyhound Sara... died in my Arms by the Baggage Carousel at Miami Airport. It was heart breaking. We had lived in Grand Cayman and were returning she was 9. In retrospect we never would have brought her back . She was loved on the island everybody knew her. While it would have hurt we would have adopted her out. She was on a Flight from Cayman to Miami.... When her cage came out we opened the door . Her lips were blue and she was shaking. she Crawled out and i was holding her. My hand on her chest and i LITERALLY felt her heart stop.... imagine the next challenge with a dead dog in your arms ... the emotion... and a connecting flight to Canada in 2 HOURS....

[@samanthashine4506]

I probably let my Daphne go a bit longer than I should have. This was the most awful thing I've ever been through. Even after 14 years I still miss her. But I'm glad I stayed with Daph and held back my tears until she passed. I brought her blanket so she didn't need to feel cold metal and sang to her because she seemed to relax when I did. Everyone in the vets office was crying with me. Most devastating loss, and I've lost both parents. When I go, I'm hoping she tackles me with a run into my arms as soon as I cross over. And if my dog isn't in heaven, they better send me wherever Daphne is! Just not heaven without my dog.

[@desert.mantis]

I was in tears for nearly this entire episode, Brian. It's a subject that I very familiar with as I've gone through with the euthanasia seven times to date. Each time my heart breaks open. My first dog, Rusty, was a mutt. I was young and did not have the strength to be with him for his final moments. I told myself, "Never again." Since then I have been there for my Irish Setter, and five greyhounds. It's the hardest decision to make and has always been the saddest time of my life. I have learned that there's something magnificent about the senior dogs. I adopted one grey, Chester, when he was nine. He lived to be fourteen. Presently, I am blessed with a wonderful six year old grey as a roommate now. She's my first girl and is a joy. Thanks and blessings to you and Heather for your video uploads and for loving your greys and their foster brothers and sisters.

[@j2nature]

So sorry to hear about Olive. I've enjoyed the videos that I have seen of her. She was a cutie. I have my 2nd greyhound and my daughter has 2. We love them dearly. What wonderful dogs they are.

[@llai8501]

Greyt honest episode. Our 9 year old rescue grey Ellie developed endocarditis last year (April). Initial prognosis was grim, giving her weeks to live, most dogs do not survive, usually dying within 6 months of initial diagnosis. This occurred after a routine tooth extraction. In hindsite we should have taken antibiotics prior to the procedure but this wasn't prescribed by our vet so we didn't know to even ask. After spending over $15,000 (thank god for pet insurance), 7 nights at the hospital on every antibiotic known to man and multiple appointments at the heart specialist, she miraculously survived. She's in good health now, she has multiple medications and is not as active as she used to be but she's happy and healthy. Every day we have her is a blessing. I've never cried so much during the period she was in hospital. I have anxiety thinking about when she will leave us, your point of making the hard decision when things aren't terrible in her life but she's lived a full life will no doubt be the hardest decision I'll ever have to make. RIP Olive.

[@kristinek2916]

So sorry, what a good girt, sweet Olive 💙🐾

[@francoisrainville]

We just went into the process and did it with a Vet that came home, your video was a real helper into taking the right decision and prepare us. Thank you ❤

[@patriciawilson1836]

Blessings to all of us who have had this life experience. I have lost 4 greys and 4 other furbabies. They all had unique end of life issues. Other than patience, the only constant is to be there with them, no matter how much it hurts us. We owe them that...they've been here for us....💔💔💔

[@anon0124]

Thank you for sharing on this challenging topic. Wishing you peace and comfort.

[@GreytShow]

Thank you

[@charlotterockel-kennedy8913]

Although it was heartbreaking to watch as she was such a beautiful girl,it was also very heartwarming seeing how much she was loved and cared for. I wish everyone would think and act like you. My brother's grey lived till nearly 16 and Wally's health went downhill really quick,over a couple of weeks he didn't want to eat,lost all control of his bowels and wobbly legs. He was still very happy but before it got worse my brother made the last trip with him. We all loved Olive and she is now doing zoomies in doggies heaven 🥰

[@lisaweimern330]

we will miss her very much, such a lovely dog

[@j_white1305]

Great content, although hard to watch. We have a girl that will turn 13 this year and I'd be lying if I said your video didn't make me tear up.

[@renattaburke3500]

Thank you for giving her an amazing retirement. She was lucky to have you, and I think she knew it. Rest in Peace, Olive.

[@GreytShow]

Thank you

[@f22raptoruscg]

Those final trips to the vet are the hardest ones... I couldn't do it the last time and had to have them come to the home to perform the final mercy. They were very kind and respectful. They also helped transport the remains and take care of those final touches.

[@suzannelafontaine2801]

This was timely for me, as we had a bit of a scare with our grey last month. The old gal (turning 9 next month) stopped eating, and started following us and panting relentlessly. Turns out 6 of her teeth needed to pulled. She still doesn't eat as quickly as she used to, but the pain seems to have subsided. Nonetheless, the experience, and this video, gave us a glimpse of what's likely around the corner in the next few years. 💔

[@ladybug1457]

Thank you so much for this video. I lost my darling Hiccup the Tuesday after Labor Day Weekend (2021) just 3 months short of 12 years old. I only had her 3 years. She had been diagnosed with kidney disease only a few weeks before Labor Day. It went very fast. One of the first things I noticed was her rear legs were becoming weaker and weaker on our walks as did her panting. Her final weekend she couldn't walk at all and I had to keep cleaning her up. She was in so many ways just like Olive. A great racer (in West Virginia) who then was bred; 2 litters: the first one six pups, the second litter was 12 pups. She was the sweetest, gentlest dog who loved all dogs and humans and sought them out. Olive and Hiccup had so much in common. I had to ask a friend if he could help me get her in the car. She was 68 lbs. I am in my 70s and only 5' 1". I named her Hiccup because I had a black cat who had adopted me who had green eyes whom I had named Toothless (no she wasn't) after the dragon (who was black with green eyes) in the movie "How to Train Your Dragon". It seemed only right to name my darling greyhound Hiccup, after the young male hero in the movie who adopted the injured dragon. Hiccup's prey drive was low so I was able to have them both. Hiccup was petrified of thunderstorms and ran to hide in the bathroom too when she heard the first crack of thunder. I was with her talking to her through the end, on the floor of the vet's office too. My heart still breaks but your vlog helped a lot. Thank you.

[@shootermck]

We had to put our dog down due to Osteosarcoma in Sep 2020. He had a wonderful albeit short life (8 years but we had him for 4). I still miss him every day.

[@agnotwot7997]

I got my first hound in 2004 and she was 14 when she passed. She got to the point where some days she would not even stand up to eat or drink. We finally had to make the choice and had the vet come out to the house. Had her daughter too who lived to be 13 and a half. Both are now out in our pasture by an old pine tree just to the left of where I'll be one day.

[@johnb.8529]

We've gone through this several times. Buying special foods to get the senior to eat. Cooking a special low fat diet for two years for another one. Then being there at the end to pet them and let them know they were loved. We now have our first greyhound and your videos have been a huge help.

[@ingridshappard7694]

Loss of smell/being a fussy eater is often a good indication of decreased kidney function often long before a blood test shows it. The blood tests let you know when your dog has < 25% kidney function. Fish oil and coq10 can help support the kidneys while Slippery elm bark can help with the nausea and acid reflux the decreased kidney function creates. I am not sure if it is an appetite stimulant or if just soothing the stomach allows them to eat. My first greyhound lived to past 14 and had spinal stenosis and failing kidneys that never showed up on her senior blood panel. I am now going through this again with a 13 year old boy. Thank you for sharing this. RIP Miss Olive.

[@jimhenry5107]

My greyhound had bone cancer in one leg he was 7 1/2 had him for 4 years and on December 18th we put him down. He had the best four days before his appointment than any greyhound ever. He was loved and he loved us. It was our 3rd Grey. (lump in my throat)

[@saltwaterron1984]

took Riley to the vet because she was limping.. suspected bone cancer... x-rays confirmed what i suspected.. i didn't bring her home..promised myself when i got her she would never suffer if this was what ended her life..broke my heart to watch the vet put her down..she was 11 years old and the 8 years i had her was a great time..had her cremated so she would be around

[@harmoni4499]

I always love grey Hounds. They make great pets. I'm sure you're in so much pain..... RIp Olive & Mya(my son's husky)

[@NatureDogRealms]

Wow Olive had a lot of puppies! Thank you for sharing about Olive, she was beautiful and this was a very informative video❤❤

[@vincenthill3491]

Olive reminds me of my broodie. Your comment that Olive likes to walk in the back to keep an eye on everyone is so true, my broodie does the same thing.

[@dark.sun.]

RIP💔💔💔 olive.💔💔💔

[@catepearce2138]

Thank you for sharing this video, dealing with the difficult and heartbreaking decision of the enforcement of life for a loved pet. I feel I was fortunate in that the vet was able to attend to my dog on our lawn, a place she was most comfortable (She hated going to the vets) . Love your fur babies.

[@aliciahowell9617]

Olive was a lucky lady to have such loving parents/caretakers. Thank you for sharing Olive with us and helping bring greyhounds into more people’s hearts. We have adopted retired racers for 21 years and it never gets easier to say goodbye. We lost our Atticus to Osteo in Nov and I still feel like a part of my soul is gone. It was incredibly painful to lose the closest bond I’ve ever had with another being who was so loving, lovely and still so young. He would have been 7 in February. I do remind myself exactly what you said that’s it’s better to let them go on a good day instead waiting until it’s awful and far more traumatic. Our wonderful Vet did a home visit since Attie was so unsteady on his feet and had never been one to lay down in our SUV unless we were cruising on the interstate. I was shocked to learn that most people don’t want to be in the room when they have that last visit. I know everyone is different and handles grief differently but I just feel the need to hold them and make sure their last memory is one being loved and comforted. It tears me up but it’s just what I need to do and we’re all different. I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss and understand how hard that choice had to be for y’all. Olive was a sweet soul and it’s obvious she was very loved and will be missed. I hope time helps ease your sadness and you remember her best days when you think of her.

[@laurelkish6207]

We have experienced end of life with several pets. It is hard. But when you know you are doing what's best for them and not thinking of your own emotions or needs, you know you are doing the right thing. RIP sweet Olive.

[@sandiroberts9357]

Thank you for tackling a difficult subject for all pet owners. My greyhound Janey is almost 12 and is starting to slow down. So many similarities...the panting, the "Eat your food, eat your food," the foot dragging causing her to trip on the stairs occasionally, the shortened walks that really tire her out. We're not at the saying goodbye stage yet but you're so right about choosing to do it before your dog is in pain or distress. I read an essay written by a veterinarian called "A Good Death." The author suggested that, when your dog reaches a point where you know s/he isn't going to get better, ask "What am I waiting for?" instead of "When will it be time?" That perspective made it easier for us to say goodbye to our girl Ellie when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at age 8.

[@susantomlinson3704]

Thanks for the incite. We have a senior age 12 yrs 11 months, She is a joy, we are glad she joined our household.

[@flyingmerkel6]

Good video. Might I add, never second-guess your decision. That's a pointless exercise. We babysat a 13 year old hound. He couldn't walk far, didn't want to eat, and was very upset at being in a strange house with 3 active strange hounds. I would walk him by himself o a patch of grass about 50 feet away, hand fed him kidney cake, and slept next to him on the floor. In return, he became the best companion for the week. Almost wanted to keep the old boy.

[@stuarttaylor3029]

Hi Brian, what a lovely Greyhound Olive was, she was such a sweetheart ❤️ It must have been very sad loosing her, thank you so very much for sharing your precious moments with her and will be very much looking forward to your next episode as your tribute too Olive! What a lovely lady she was! Many thanks once again!

[@vmegan55]

Beautifully done

[@kimperry6182]

Thank you for making this video. I am currently experiencing this with my 12 year old greyhound, and your words made me feel less alone.

[@GreytShow]

I empathize with your situation, and I am glad that I could help.

[@jhbellis1989]

This was a brilliant episode. I had to make the call when my previous greyhound was rendered permanently paralysed after a slipped disc, repeat infections and unsuccessful surgery; I feel your pain. I adopted again a couple of years ago and after this one had spinal issues we used a lot of the tips you gave in your previous episodes and she's doing much better now. We know that in the long term though we might have to make a similar decision. You videos have always been a source of inspiration; I've never known a better more loving family for a greyhound. All my best.

[@wheelerd02]

Thank you for making this video, a thought provoking and emotional watch. I have been subscribed for some time now and enjoy the content you put out. I have the good fortune to have a 12 year old greyhound, King. Although I don't want to think about such things, I knw this day shall come eventually. As you mentioned, if we can possibly accompany him as he passes over, I will do the utmost to ease his transition. I have tears in my eyes now typing that sentence, but I must cherish each day whilst being realistic in my hopes. Dogs only inhabit our lives for short time and yet we could possibly be their entire life companions. Dogs are so very, very special. Truly they enrich our lives and bring forth a great deal of positivity. Seeing your kitchen full of foster dogs put a big smile on my face. Such a warm loving home you have to offer these beautiful creatures. RIP Olive sweet dog ❤️ 🌈 Thank you Greyt Show for this video x

[@suerichardson5770]

Thank you so much for this. Greyt communication around a tough decision. Here in the UK we just had to say goodbye to our 21 year old cat who had been with us from six months old. I can identify with Olives decline and your feelings. The bad days were starting to out balance the good days, we knew it was time, even though she was having a good day when she left us at the vets. It’s the last act of loving kindness we can do for them. Excellent video, will help so many people.

[@bedast]

This has been on my mind lately. Benson's 11th birthday is today so I know the time is coming, though it's definitely not here, yet. He's still quite full of life, but getting more and more of those reminders that he's aging. I did have a bit of a scare late last year when I found a tumor, but it turned out to be benign, with surgical removal being curative. Thanks for sharing this!

[@victoriajane2092]

Thank you for this really helpful episode. What a lovely dog Olive was xxx

[@beaglebrigade]

Thank you Brian and Heather for making this video. I’m sure it was difficult, but it will be helpful to families with older dogs. Thanks for giving Olive a great life!

[@marybarnaby6162]

Thank you for a very helpful video, especially your comment about not having to wait for a “bad” day as I know that decision is just around the corner for my boy.

[@cindymiller2928]

Love ❤️

[@davidquerry8869]

What is the hardest part of owning a dog? Saying goodby.