quality of life.

[jimpierce7]

At what point is the quality of life poor enough that euthanasia is truly the humane thing to do.
Parrots hide pain very well. Benji has a huge mass on his liver. The "keep him comfortable" conversation has been had with my vet. I just shot off an e-mail to them asking questions I already know the answer to. But hope still exists.
All he does is sleep. He will get up to eat, then back to sleep. The only sounds he makes now are is the little cry/chitter sound he makes when I reach in to get him.
Even when out on the patio he will go for some millet, then go try to sleep. Cricket is even getting to the point he will go off on his own and leave Benji alone. Today Benji didn't even jump to the ground to peck around for food.
Saturday he woke up disoriented and confused.
Sunday his beak was still dirty from eating the day before.
I know there is not point that I won't hurt like hell during this. I cry just thinking of it. I don't want anybody to make my decision for me either. I just don't know how bad I should let him get. My poor little Benji.

[iggysbirds]

I am sorry Benji has gotten so bad. On the quality of life my only real question would be, does the vet think he is in much pain. I realize only eating and sleeping is not much of a life but if he is not in pain then MHO would be the keep him comfortable and enjoy what time you have. If he is in actual pain (if you know this or if your vet can tell this) then it would be time to question the quality of life and if the pain is worth a few more days/weeks. Again as you said it is definitely your decision and either way it will be a hard decision to make. Good wishes for whatever time you have and know you have been a good parront whichever decision is to be made.

[NoLimitssjca]

I'm sorry to hear about Benji. It is never easy to make this decision.

I had to put down a dog that had a degenerted disk. It was painful for him to deficate. He was obviously in pain all the time. My conscience just couldn't bare to keep in in pain for my needs any longer. He had no quality of life and could barely eat much less do aything else. He was in pain when he was touched, and he was miserable.

To me when I realized that there was no recovery and only additional pain ahead I knew I had to put his needs ahead of mine.

To me the fact that you are seeking input tells me that you will weigh the options and do right by Benji.

My prayers are with you both.

[Willow]

Is he taking pain medication? Is it an option? Somehow I find that you know when it is time. It is so very hard. My thoughts are with you.

[melin]

There is a point when something just tells you it is time. Sometimes it never comes and they pass away, others it is almost like time stops and you realize they said their goodbyes to you and the world around them.

It is personal for you and your animal. When or if you make the decision be at peace knowing you did the right thing.

[Zoe's Mom]

Jim I am so sorry you are in this position.

I suppose, for me, it would depend on what the vet thinks the out come of all of this will be and how long it will take. Do they think this will heal and if so how long will it take.

You know your Benji better then anybody and this will be a difficult decision only you can make. Does he have some days that are better then others or are they all the same? Does the mass seem to appear any smaller or the same? Is there a possibility it could grow bigger and cause more pain? These would be the things I would be asking myself if I were in your position.

We are keeping you all in our thoughts here and are confident you will make the decision that is best for Benji.

[Tiffany]

Oh Jim, I am so sorry you are going through this. I know it's a tough decision, but you are the only one who knows for sure what you need to do. Just remember, we are all here for you in whatever decision you make. Benji is very lucky to be loved so much by you and Kelly.

[angelicarboreals]

I don't have any advice, I too believe that it is a very personal decision, one that you should make with guidance from your vet and your own heart. My heart goes out to you, and I will keep little Benji in my thoughts.

[Jeddy]

By your description it sounds like Benji is getting close. My vet told me that animals experiance pain different than

us and since birds are masters at hiding illness it is hard to say if Benji is uncomfortable. Hopefully the vet can help you there. It is a hard thing to do, but I believe we owe our animals a painfree way to journey on . It is the least we can do for all the joy they bring into our life's.


I wish all the best Jim.

Take care

[Buteo]

Aww Jim, I'm soooo sorry to hear this.
Even when we know it's gonna happen (as it does to all eventually)....
It's never an easy thing.

I'm stunned.
I don't know what else to say, other than we're here for ya as best we can my friend.