Update: He's gone/ putting our dog down in a few hours.

[RexManningDay]

He's 15 and has been going downhill recently. Just old age stuff - disoriented, tired, shaky legs, etc. He still eats, but is so thin and just seems weary.

This morning he could hardly stand and could barely walk. His left leg was just dragging, and he ended up lying in the middle of the kitchen floor breathing fast, oblivious to the chaos around him.

We called and made an appointment for this afternoon. Then my husband went home over lunch and was like "but he's doing better!" He sent me a video and yeah, he's walking okay.

I still feel pretty strongly that it's time. But now I feel bad for feeling that way. He has more bad days than good, and when he does have a good day, he ends up paying for it 10x over. I'm afraid that the longer we wait, the more instances of "oh shit, can he even get up?" we're going to have until one time he actually can't.

I don't want him to suffer to alleviate my guilt that he might still have some good days left in him, but now I feel guilty for being the one to "push" that we do this before it becomes dire.

Can you either send me some words of resolve OR some sense of you think maybe I am thinking about doing this too soon?

[sookie]

I don't have any words to help in your decision, but I'm so sorry you're in that position. I think if I was in your case I'd move to this is the end because I'd constantly be so worried that keeping him alive was only for my well-being and not for his.

[egeiger]

I'm sorry you're going through this, it is so hard when they can't talk to us. Your gut, whatever it is saying, is right. You love him unconditionally and would never do anything to intentionally harm him. Please do not question that. Sending love.

[calle28]

I'm sorry. This seems so hard.

[OG Jo]

We struggled with this two weeks ago.

I have 100% experienced (and my vets have told me this too) that animal experience a surge of energy at the end.

It's awful - it's misleading and hope raising and gut wretching.

I have always been told - better a day too soon than a day too late.

Hugs with you during this difficult time.

[knx9211]

I'm very sorry. But I would trust your gut.

[rosiebear]

I honestly don't think I've ever talked with a person who felt, in retrospect, that he or she acted too soon. I know a few, myself included, who felt they waited too long. I wasn't ready, but she was - I wish I'd honored that earlier.

I can only give you my own experience. I hope you find peace inwhatever decision you make. You've given your dog so many happy years, I know you'll do the right thing.

[mcmel]

I'm so sorry. It sounds like it's time. Put him at ease while he's on a high note since they seem so few and far between.

My heart breaks for you. This decision is the hardest.

[mrhanky]

You can always take him in to have a quality of life evaluation from the vet. Having unbiased eyes evaluate him could help alleviate guilt with either deciding to euthanize or not. When I had to make the decision for my dog, I really weighed whether the good outweighed the bad for him, which it sounds like you're doing. It's a tough decision. Hugs.

[wambam]

I'm so sorry, Rex. I agree with what rosie said.

[Deleted]

I's so sorry you're going through this. I would talk with the vet and trust your instinct on this.

[kris356]

I am so sorry.

I agree that they do have a surge at the end. When the bad days out number the good, I knew it was time. I have been there too many times, I am so sorry. And I agree with rosiebear, the regret sets in when you have waited too long. That happened with our first and six years later, my husband still feels terrible about it.

[BaliHai]

I'm so sorry. I agree about the quality of life visit - that's how my parents made the decision about their dog in the fall.

[zoomzoom]

When was he last seen at the vet?

I know this is hard. It is SO hard. Dogs tend to be very stoic by nature so if he is actually showing physical pain and being unable to walk would do it for me. We once had a beagle that didn't want us to see her move. We would go out of the room and come back in and she'd be in a different spot. When we finally saw her walk, her legs ended up collapsing. We knew it was time. You will make the right decision for your dog. You will.

[RexManningDay]

Thanks, all. He was last seen by the vet in ... January? Euthanasia wasn't really a topic at the time, we were just talking about how to keep him comfortable (his legs already seemed to be bothering him). We put him on prednisone and it seemed to help for a little while but not too long. But I think he's in a lot different shape now than he was then.

[bma]

I am so very sorry you're going through this.

We are dealing with something similar (wondering when we will know) and can really relate the the constant wonder of "oh shit".

I agree with having the vet assess the situation with you but at the end of the day you know what's best in the long term. Thinking of you!

[minerswife17]

I've always felt like I knew when it was time myself. I personally know somebody who had a hard time letting go of her dog even when she knew it was time. Whenever I would see the dog my heart would just break because I knew he was in such bad shape but my friend just couldn't make that decision for herself. Even though we talked to her and tried to explain it to her she just still had a hard time. I agree with the others that better a day too soon then a day too late. I'm sorry that you have to deal with this and I know that you'll make the best decision for you and your dog.

[laladypoet]

I'm so sorry.

[So_Fetch]

I'm so sorry. From experience, my personal feelings are that it is better one day too soon than 1 hour too late. I wish you peace.

[bcv513]

I'm so sorry Rex. I think you know your dog better than anyone, and if you think it's time, then it probably is.

[nikki25]

I am sorry I would see what the vet says and go from there.

[Aquatica]

I'm so sorry.

[somersault72]

I'm so sorry.

[calamity]

I am so sorry, it's such a hard decision. Huge hugs to you

[jlt19]

I'm so sorry, it's never an easy decision. But a few good hours a day still isn't enough to keep him suffering all those other hours. Big hugs.

[cville]

I'm sorry, Rex. When you know, you know.

[MixedBerryJam]

I'm sorry. I agree with what many pp's have said, particularly @so_Fetch about balancing "one day too early or one hour too late." I wish you peace while you come to this decision, both individually and as a family unit.

[Eagles]

I'm so sorry, Rex. I agree with cville. Also, my vet says "better a week too soon than a day too late." Letting him go peacefully and surrounded by love is the greatest gift you can give him.

I've been there. It hurts. I'm sorry.

[AutumnRose25]

I'm sorry.

You know him best and if you feel like his quality of life is not what it should be, thenIwould trust your gut.

Even when it's the right choice, it doesn't make it easier or feel good.

Lots of hugs, losing a pet is the worst.

[icedcoffee]

I'm so sorry. Definitely trust your gut.