We knew going in that Great Dane’s have a short lifespan, but when it came time to say goodbye to my first dog, nothing could have prepared us for us the emotional turmoil and heart wrenching decisions that needed to be made along the way.  I wanted to share my experiences and what worked best for Odin. If you find yourself on this path with your beloved pet, I hope you might take solace from Odin’s story and know that you’re not alone and you will get through it. 

Our family bought Odin from a reputable breeder when he was barely 10 weeks old.  Before he turned one, we made our first trip (of many) to the LifeCentre. Several hours and several x-rays later, we learned about Panosteitis, wherein a dog’s bones grow so fast it causes immense pain. When Odin was two and still trying to get used to his 195-pound frame, he and several dogs were chasing balls at the dog park. All the other dogs easily circumnavigated the trees, but not Odin… his forward momentum was like a freight train trying to stop on a dime, he plowed headfirst into a tree. The impact was so loud that it silenced everyone in the park. That was our second trip to the LifeCentre. There were several other urgent trips over the years, but no matter what happened, there was always a remedy, and we knew Odin would be okay.   

As Odin aged, his sweet baby face became peppered with gray hair. He spent more time stretched out in the grass or relaxing in a sunny spot then chasing and playing with the other dogs. When he did participate, his back legs seemed unsteady and his hips had an exaggerated swing, as if his legs were exhausted and struggling to support him.  Any time he stand-up or lie down, his rear legs would shake until he was situated. Soon after, we noticed the padding on his rear paws were constantly scuffed and wearing unevenly and his nails kept cracking, exposing the quick. With such long legs, even when fitted with the super-sized cone, he still managed to get his paws in his mouth to gnaw on his nails, exacerbating the issue. This led us to a neurologist that diagnosed him with Wobbler’s, spinal cord issues and nerve damage. The diagnosis came with a warning that he should no longer be put under anesthesia, unless it was for a life-threatening emergency. 

Regarding the Wobbler’s, we did come up with a solution that gave him back his ability to chase and play with the other dogs. We bundled his back paws in thick rubber snow booties and applied leg braces for added stabilization.  The booties would last a couple of weeks, or longer if we duct taped the tears. For short trips to the backyard, we didn’t apply the extra gear, but each night we inspected his nails for signs of degradation and immediately sealed any cracks or places where the quick was visible with liquid Band-Aid (generally on the underside of the nail). Odin was able to play longer, he interacted more often with the other dogs, his energy increased, and his appetite improved.  With the Wobblers he also began experiencing occasional fecal incontinence issues. We put down a very thick tarp and fenced off the area in front of his crate. At night, this allowed him just enough room to exit his crate and stand up. The tarp was easy to clean and sanitize.  

Just before his seventh birthday, at his annual vet appointment, we pointed out a lump that formed on his neck and grew to a couple of inches within a very short period of time. The vet noticed several other lumps forming on his belly. They said the lump in his neck was likely benign and not to risk surgery to have it removed. After a very thorough check up, she looked right in our eyes, took a deep breath and said, “I don’t recommend that you renew his Optimal Wellness plan.”  I think there was a short blip while the entire world froze as those words sunk into our brain.  The Banfield Optimal Wellness plan covers everything you need over the course of a year at a significantly reduced price (unlimited office visits, physicals, vaccinations, blood tests, radiology, diagnostics, and dental cleanings).  Banfield does offer a cancellation to the plan if your dog passes, which means if they are recommending that we do not renew the plan, that could only mean one thing…  I can vividly recollect that exact moment in time, the heart stopping, dry swallow moment when my brain finally accepted that my sweet baby boy, my furry companion was dying.

We are truly thankful that Odin was with us for several months following that heart wrenching realization. During the months that followed, Odin spent more time on the couch, his appetite decreased, and he slowly dropped 20 pounds. When we would allow him playtime in the yard, he would wander a few steps and find a sunny spot to lay down, his energy was gone.  His ribs were showing more prominently, and his rear legs were thin and boney. Thankfully, he was still moving and walking with only minor discomfort. Unfortunately, his health issues continued deteriorating and his back legs were no longer fully supporting his weight.  If you gently touched his backside while standing or if he had to back up, his legs would buckle, and he would drop into a sitting position.  His fecal incontinence issues worsened as he lost all feeling in his hips and rear legs. Odin is generally quiet and rarely barks, in addition to the physical changes, his mental faculties were slipping as well. He spent the majority of his time awake barking incessantly at one of the other dogs. 

Whenever there were significant changes with Odin, physical or mental, we would keep the vet in the loop. In late June, we finally asked the question of all questions – how do you know when it’s time? Our vet provided us with a quality-of-life Q&A.  When you tally your responses, you find yourself hoping that it will be a landslide, one way or the other.  Our responses were fifty-fifty, which left us feeling confused and extremely guilty. One day we will see Odin struggling to stand up, his legs exceptionally shaky so you start researching euthanasia services.  The very next day, he has bursts of energy, acting bouncy and playful, and you chastise yourself for even thinking of putting him down.  We finally had a heart-to-heart with Dr. Dodson, explaining his latest set of issues. After a pause, she said, “Odin has had an amazing life with you.  He wanted for nothing; he has been loved on every single day of his life. He is struggling and I believe it’s better to put your dog down a little early, so you remember them as they are, their last moments are respectful, dignified and comfortable for them.”  Her response eased so much of our tension and guilt, and it confirmed what we knew, it was time to make plans for having Odin put to sleep. We told her that we wanted to find a service that could put him down at home but were having difficulty finding someone in our area.  It was extremely important to us that his last moments be as comfortable as possible, and where he could feel safe and secure. She highly recommended a local mobile vet, having heard many positive stories emphasizing Milly Vet’s compassion and professionalism in helping them say goodbye to their beloved pets.

We reached out to Milly Vet and were so thankful for the recommendation. Every person we spoke with was warm, compassionate, and completely understood the pain we were going through. It’s almost like they are comforting you and soothing your pain while they are asking you about your pet and what want, how and where you want the final act done.  Each person I spoke to made me feel like Odin and I were their priority, never once did I feel like a business transaction. I explained that Odin has always had high anxiety around new people, but it has gotten worse as his health has decreased, leaving me with safety concerns for Dr. Liskey. I mentioned that our vet was willing to prescribe some strong anti-anxiety medication for Odin, and how fast movements are one of his fear-triggers. The woman I spoke with was going to reach out to Dr. Liskey and verify her comfort level and see if there were any precautions she would like us to take. I was really nervous that they were going to turn us away. Dr Dodson spoke so well of Milly Vet, their team made me feel so comfortable, I really hoped they would be willing to work with us. 

Thankfully, the Milly Vet team was willing to work with us and we did follow through with the anti-anxiety medications and a couple of additional precautions.  We arranged it so Odin could be outside on his cot in the yard. Odin was always his absolute happiest when he was outside. Dr. Liskey sat still and away from Odin when we led him outside. Once he was settled comfortably on his cot and being loved on by his family, Dr. Liskey slowly approached him to hook up his IV and was careful to avoid all of his triggers. Her actions with him demonstrated how much she cares about each dog and their family. It shows that she took the time to understand our dog before the appointment day.  The first step she does is give Odin enough medication to lull him into a deep calm, next is sedation, and only when you are ready, does she administer the final medication.  At that moment, I could barely breath, it was like someone was tearing my heart out of my chest.  Dr. Liskey gave us time to be with Odin, she was so gentle with him, even wrapped his body in a large fluffy blanket so it looked cuddled up in a deep sleep. We worked together to carefully place him in the back of vehicle, which was lined with more blankets and flowers, so it felt like the next step in a progression. Every aspect of how he was treated from the moment Dr. Liskey arrived and how beautiful the area was that she prepared for him in her car made everything bearable. It was really easy to understand how Milly Vet earned their reputation and why people sought out their service over all others.   

If you are reading this, it’s likely because your dog is nearing the end of his or her life, and you are searching for advice, the same as I did. I am so sorry, nothing about the choices you will need to make will be easy. I know each situation is unique, but we hope some part of our experience helps you as you navigate your path.  

– Karen