Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences an owner can face. When a terminal illness strikes, the decision, though agonizing, often feels clear cut – when the dog is in too much pain or loses mobility, it’s time. But what happens when the decline is a slow, insidious stealing away of your dog’s mental faculties, rather than a physical ailment?

This was the heartbreaking reality I faced with Ellie, my senior dog (an open letter to her can be found here). Lymphoma, an aggressive cancer, loomed large. It should have been quick. Lymphoma is one of the fastest acting cancers. But Ellie, with a tenacious spirit that rivaled any, defied expectations, lasting 3 times longer than average from the time of diagnosis to the end, a gift we did not take for granted. The lymphoma remained relatively stable, held at bay by steroids (we opted out of chemo given the other conditions). Yet, it was her mind that was failing her.

It should have been lymphoma. It should have been a disease I could fight alongside her, a battle with a clear end point. Instead, I watched in despair as Ellie started to become a stranger lost in her own familiar home. Disorientation, confusion, and a heartbreaking chorus of whines and screeches – these were the hallmarks of her decline.

Cognitive decline, also known as Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS/CCDS), is a geriatric condition that affects a significant portion of our senior canine companions. Recognizing the signs and understanding how they impact your dog’s quality of life is essential. The Purina Institute offers a helpful Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Assessment that can be a valuable tool in this process, I highly recommend it if youre struggling to assess on your own.

Making the decision to let go of a pet due to cognitive decline is incredibly difficult. There is no single right answer, and the best course of action will depend on your dog’s individual situation and your ability to cope. But by educating yourself about CCDS and its progression, you can ensure your senior dog’s golden years are filled with love, dignity, and a deep understanding of their needs.

Here are some additional factors to consider when making the difficult decision about your dog’s quality of life with CCDS:

💜 Mobility: Can your dog navigate their environment safely? Are they able to get up and down without assistance?
💜 Appetite: Is your dog eating and drinking regularly?
💜 Response to interaction: Does your dog still seem to enjoy your presence and companionship?
💜 Hygiene: Is your dog able to maintain basic hygiene, or are they experiencing incontinence?
💜 Frequency of disorientation: How often does your dog seem confused, staring off into space, or lost?
💜 Distress: Is your pup regularly upset by their cognitive decline?
💜 Presence of pain: Are there any signs your dog is experiencing physical pain unrelated to CCDS?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. By carefully considering these factors and consulting with your veterinarian, you can make an informed and compassionate decision about what’s best for your beloved companion.

The lymphoma, the disease they said would steal Ellie away quickly, has become an unwelcome companion. It could have held on a few more weeks, a cruel twist of fate. But Ellie’s mind has succumbed to a different kind of decline, a relentless untethering from the world around her.  The decision has been made – Saturday, April 6th will be her last day. It’s a heartbreaking one, but letting her go with dignity feels like the only loving option. While the flicker of her playful spirit returns for treats and frisbee, the confusion and distress in her eyes during quiet moments are unbearable.  Surrounded by the love that has sustained her long life, Ellie will be free from the torment of a failing mind. I love you, pup. It isn’t fair.