old dogs, when is it time?

[channlluv]

(((Beth)))

I'm so sorry. Our family has been there, too. It really is a quality of life thing. When you do take her in, consider being there with her when the vet administers the shot. We all went in with our Boo (she was nine and had an antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection that, after three years, was just worse and worse and left her in constant pain) and just petted her and loved her and told her it would be okay as the medicine took effect. It was important for us to be there together as a family and face it together.

It's really hard to know when it's time if your dog isn't in actual pain. Ours was, and it was affecting her quality of life in a way we loved her too much to let her suffer through.

Good luck making your decision.

Roxy

[Selkie]

Beth - It's the most difficult decision (been there twice ... actually, this Sunday marks one year that we let Maud go...).
As others have said, when Nala's quality of life is poor and the bad days outnumber the good ones, it's time. In my experience, my girls have let me know---a look in their eyes, telling me that they have to be somewhere else and I'm keeping them from that destination. I know, sounds weird but it happened with both Agnes and Maud.
I agree w/the poster who said that dogs aren't afraid of death. It's just part of the journey to them and they know that they will see us again, in a better place. No more pain, no more suffering, just surrounded by all the things that make them happy. One of the most selfless gifts we can give our dogs is a peaceful, dignified passage, and if you're there with them, they will feel your love.
Sending you and Nala big hugs... I know you are spoiling her rotten right now.