I think BenBen is about ready/ not ready see last note

We have a dog with arthritis and we bought a dog ramp for the RV. Perhaps one would work for BenBen. And I would take him with if he has enjoyed your RV adventures. Pamper him on the trip. If he goes to Rainbow Bridge on the journey, he will have been doing what he loved.

In 2006 we lost Amanda in Jan. Buddy was terminal, needed to be almost carried up and down steps. We decided to take him and go on our planned vacation. We ended up losing him two days after getting home. I took xrays and I couldn't believe he made it for the three weeks as he had lung cancer that took up about 75% of his chest. Best decision we made, we really enjoyed the time, and so did he. Not saying that's what you should do, but our experience with a similar situation. We ended up so losing two dogs in six weeks.

My back is getting arthritic, and helping 50 lb Jack get into the car (and he was reasonably agile still) was taking its toll on my body; plus lifting him was A. Painful for him due to arthritis B. Dangerous because he was likely to react by biting. Several times he fell going into the RV and got tangled in the steps, in spite of the carpet I clamped on to prevent just that.

I'm sure BenBen adores camping (don't they all?) but it places a bit of stress on them due to their need to protect us, and when camping, every place is "strange". I don't think they sleep as soundly. They don't eat and drink the same - going potty often involves walking a distance to the dog walk area. Life is no longer on "their schedule".

Nobody will criticize you if you choose to not stress the dear sweet boy - and I personally believe he'll be on that trip with you anyway, if only in spirit. (When we went to FL in January - it was the first time ever that we camped without Ike. I brought his collar along - it just seemed appropriate, I guess?)

You know how sorry I am to hear this. This is really a tough one and it's made even tougher because of your uncertainty.
Sadly you are the only one that can determine if BenBen can make the trip, I personally would be asking.
Is he enjoying his life otherwise.
Is he eating?
Is he alert
Is he in pain?
Being weaker doesn't necessarily mean he is in pain.
I don't know Barb, I only know what I would do after I answered those questions and probably a few more.
It's so very hard afterwards if your asking that same question, did I do it too soon...
Hugs and head scratches to BenBen.

Sher

Barb, you may have to wait until right before you leave to make a decision. We boarded our Gordon, Riley, right before we took a trip to Alaska. We had no choice because we were flying. He was borderline before we left and we opted to wait and he didn't make it. There was some guilt yet some relief as we didn't have to make the decision-SIL did it as we were unreachable. No matter what you do there will be mixed feelings I'm sure. Not to sound harsh, but you have to assess his quality of life and ask yourself are you prolonging the inevitable for him or for you. You might not think so now but you will know what to do by looking into BenBen's eyes.

Does he seem happy to "go" even if it is hard for him to get in? Or not so much? If he is declining quickly the choice may become clear in the next week. If not.... I guess I would decide if I thought he would enjoy a last trip, or not.

I just hate hearing this.
Our very first "real" vacation in our camper included taking Callie. I knew she was old and needed help in and out of the camper. She could walk OK, just not very fast. She slept most the time. What I didn't know was she had a tumor about the size of a cantaloupe.

Silly old dog still got excited to go for a walk every time. There was a small tourist attraction that allowed dogs. Being able to enjoy that park with my "baby" Callie was magic. I treasure those memories.

When we got home I took Callie to the vet, and got the dreadful diagnosis. I can not imagine going on vacation after that. I didn't even want to go to work, I was a mess.

((((hugs))))

I guess there is no right or wrong here....our little girl, Ziggy, was very ill with her cancer...we decided to take for a weeklong trip at the end of last year. While she was a lot of work, she did so well and we were so blessed to have her with us to bring in the New Year...the day we got back she started going downhill and a day later she died sleeping next to me in bed. I am so thankful we took her.We still miss her terribly.

Barb I can't give you much advice on what too do because I have no ideal what we would do if faced with the same thing. I will tell you though if you get in KC and need anything, vet referral or anything send me a private message anytime. I'm so very sorry to hear about Ben Ben's failing health. Always happy to help out a fellow RV'r.

Doug

I went through this with Strider. I took Strider to Ely knowing he might not make it. Strider did ok, the walks were short but he enjoyed them. I had to have him put to sleep a week after I returned. Only you can decide what is best.