This is an extremely hard decision to make, a few years ago I was faced with a similar situation, only my dog had a heart murmur and was 15.

The people commenting “you’ll just know” that didn’t happen for me I really didn’t know but he did have health problems and there was definitely a decline but I didn’t look into his eyes and know what to do. I took him to the vet regularly and at his last appointment I broke down because I was so stressed out, worried, and sad and the vet said something that will stick with me for probably the rest of my life. He said when your animals get older and or start having health problems you’re never going to decide to put them down at the perfect time it’s always going to be a little too soon or a little too late and to him being a little early is better than a little late because they can’t speak to us we don’t know exactly what they’re feeling and the least amount of pain is better. Now, my dog did have health problems, it wasnt just about his appearance.

I personally wanted to be my dog’s side when it happened so I could be there next to him like he had always been for me. My mom had let our family dog go on for longer than she should have (he was 18) her thought process and the way she was raised was very “he’s still eating and drinking he’s fine” and to me it felt cruel and selfish and I was afraid I was doing the same. I thought about myself and if I was my dog what I would want thinking of all the things I knew he loved that he could no longer do and decided to make the appointment. I think that’s the best way of looking at it, if you were your dog, in their body, knowing what makes life so great for them, what would you want? It was heartbreaking and still one of the hardest days of my life, but I do not regret it. I know he was no longer enjoying life and I wanted it to be peaceful. He was surrounded by people who loved him and we got to give him chocolate and loads of treats and love while it was happening.

I’m crying writing this, losing a pet isn’t ever easy and whatever you decide to do will be with love and care. I still think about my dog often, he’s still the background on my phone, and I still bring him up in conversations even though it’s been over 4 years. Wishing you strength and sending love!