*URGENT*s not eating is is getting very weak.

Question
Hi,

I have a 16 yr old chihuahua and about two weeks ago she stopped eating and became very weak.
a couple of days ago she started eating and gained a little strength. now, she is back to not eating, she can barely stand up or walk, and it seems as if she does not know where she is at times.
we have had her all of her life.
i am 12 years old and my parents want to get her put to sleep because we can't get her better, but this is why i am asking you.
i need some help. i want to do evrything in my power for her, because she is my bestfriend and i dont want her gone.
my sister and mother have cooked numerous pots of non-seasoned chicken and rice, but she wont eat it.
we have tried feeding out of our hand, acting like we were going to eat her food and holding food up to her nose so that she can know what it is.
nithing is working.
please reply back soon because my parents are going to get a appointment for saturday to put her to sleep.
Thank you,
Theresa

Answer
Hi Theresa,

Thank you for writing to me.  My heart is breaking after reading your email because I know what it is like to have an elderly dog who is failling.

My question is, why aren't your parents willing to take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment?  Sometimes it is a very simple situation causing a big problem.  After 16 years they too must love her dearly?

When a dog stops eating it is a sign that something is terribly wrong.  It doesn't mean that the dog's time has come but it does indicate something quite serious and possibly life threatening.  It is imperative that your parents have your vet determine what is wrong with your dog.

I also want to try to prepare you for the loss of your beloved best friend.  There is a season for everything and everyone and as difficult as it is to say good bye, these times do come to all of us.  It is so important to remember the wonderful times this dog has brought to you before she takes the journey to Rainbow Bridge where she will be free of pain and can frolic with other dogs until the day you two meet again.  It is also important to know that her energy will ALWAYS surround you, protect you and comfort you.  At some point in the future, when the time is right, your sweet munchkin will send another companion to you to love and care for.  You will never be without the warm memories and blessings that your precious dog has brought to your entire life.   

Saying good bye is going to be the most difficult thing you have ever done.  If you recognize that life energy is never gone, but just changes it's form, then this will be of comfort to you.  In other words, your dog's essence, or spirit, will always surround you.

It will help if you do a search on google under, the loss of a pet, on grieving the loss of a pet and things that you can do to ease your loss..like writing a journal to her, a letter to her, having a ceremony, building a little monument to her, etc.  You can also search under Rainbow Bridge, where you can create a page for your sweet companion.

Theresa, sometimes the greatest gift you can give your dog is to end her suffering when the time comes.  As difficult as this is for you, there is a great wisdom inside you that knows that this is true.

Please feel free to write to me if I can be of any further help or support in this journey that you are about to take.

My very best regards and many hugs for you and your dog,

Shelley Davis