old dogs, when is it time?

[GLC1968]

I won't say "you'll know," because that platitude turned out to be true for only one of the three dogs for whom we had to make this painful decision.

I have to agree with this. To this day, I still wonder if my timing was right with my beloved Tango.

My feelings were that when the quality of life deteriorates enough that the animal is no longer themselves, it's probably time. This is, of course, assuming there is no unmanageable pain involved for the pet.

It's a lousy choice. Worst decision I've ever had to make. I'm sorry Beth, I feel for you. Just know that you've given Nala a wonderful life and she loves you for that no matter what you end up deciding.

[PamNY]

It's hard to decide when it's time. In my experience, sometimes, things are clear-cut, other times, not so much. In any case, you've provided a life filled with love, and whatever you decide will probably be right. All best wishes to you at this difficult time.

Pam

[Pedal Wench]

I was so very lucky that all three of my pets really did let me know when. The dogs both weighed more than me, so when they couldn't walk anymore, well, it was time to do something. One just laid down and never got up again. It was still the most heart-wrenching experience to say "It's time" out loud.

Even if they don't tell you, you will know it's the right time - when their quality of life is gone, they're in pain, or will be in pain shortly. Take care of yourself, in whatever you decide.

[tulip]

(((((Beth and Nala))))))

[Flybye]

I had a different experience altogether when I put my life long buddy down. She was old and I knew that it was time. She was wetting in the house because she couldn't get up fast enough to make it out the dog door. She was blind. She was lumpy. She did nothing other than sleep. She was eating very little.
When I took her in I was relieved for her and happy to be able to do this for her. It was a bittersweet but a good decision that I have never looked back on. I knew that if I kept her alive it was for my benefit and not hers.
One piece of advice - when vets put some dogs to sleep the shot can cause brief, physical pain accompanied by yelping. If I remember correctly, this happens if the medicine goes anywhere other than the bloodstream. I could not bear that. My vet gave my little doxie an anesthetic just like he would if he were performing surgery. After that, he administered the shot that put her to sleep.
Sorry that you are facing this decision. ((HUG))

[ginny]

Oh Beth! I am shortly behind you in this tough decision. I have a 13 year old boxer who is currently doing great. Though, he has seizures occasionally and I know that at some point, he will begin his decline. When I look at him, I see him through his whole life. He is my buddy and my best friend. He recently decided he had eaten enough dry kibbles during his life, and promptly stopped eating. I added wet food and he's back to gobbling down his feed. He has gained weight and is back to his spunky self. I can totally empathize with you. I think Oak gave you phenomenal advice. You may know *when*, you may not know. But you love your friend, and you have his best interest in your heart, so whenever you arrive at your decision, it will be the right one. We do the best we can for our animals while they are in our care, and that is the best we can do. Somehow, I think they know this. When I look into the eyes of my furry friends, I know they understand our intentions, and somehow that makes it better for me. I'll be thinking of you...

[sgtiger]

((((((Beth + Nala))))))

[Ana]

I always like to ensure they live a happy and full life. My policy is that once their life is no longer enjoyable, or the pain/suffering outweighs the positive, it's time. I know that pets, especially dogs, are viewed largely as companions for humans so I know it's extremely difficult to let go sometimes. I hope someone will show me the same kindness and not let me suffer in my old age :P