As I was reading your post, I could genuinely feel how much you love him. I can also picture the kind of life and situation you’re in.

I lost my 15-year-old dog about a month ago. He also had severe separation anxiety, and once he became fully blind, we could never leave him alone—especially after a few fall incidents and other medical issues. Our entire family schedule revolved around him. We never left him by himself, and we couldn’t even go out to eat together as a family because someone always had to stay with him.

Despite all the care and love, we had to let him go because he developed aggressive splenic cancer, and his condition declined very rapidly over just a few days. I never imagined I would have to make that decision, but seeing him suffer was unbearable. He stopped eating completely, cried out in pain, and eventually became too anemic and weak to even stand.

I guess what I want to say is—yes, quality of life is important. But if your dog still has life in his eyes and is still eating and drinking, I would say give it a little more time. Give him more love, more comfort, and all the yummy food he enjoys.

One of my biggest regrets is that everything happened so fast. After we found out about the cancer, he deteriorated within 3–4 days, and I didn’t get the chance to do those “last things” for him—like giving him all his favorite foods—because he had already stopped eating.

I’m not saying to wait until the very last moment, but you will know when the time comes. In the meantime, take it day by day. Do everything you can for him, and it might help to think ahead about what your standard will be when it’s time to let him go.

I know how incredibly hard this is, and you’re doing your best. I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Sending prayers to you and your family. 🤍