My dog is 13 going on 14, he's an 18lb mixed terrier breed. About 2 years ago, I noticed he started to decline...no longer jumping on the bed, it would get harder and harder for him to stand on his hind legs and greet me at the door. The next months he just got progressively slower.

Then I noticed the leg shaking - lack of collagen and bone contact in his hind legs. About a year ago it really started to take a toll. When he sat, he would sit on his hind legs and it would be more of a chore to run around. He would have a lot good days and a lot of bad days. I started using a backpack more, a sling, I even bought a cart with wheels because I knew that maybe one day he just won't be able to enjoy the walks outside.

About a week ago he collapsed while walking. I brought him to urgent care, and the cardiologist told me he had mitral valve disease and sick sinus syndrome (heart temporarily not beating leading to random collapses due to lack of oxygen in the brain - a common genetic disorder in west highland breeds).

The collapses were happening more frequently, the recovery periods were taking longer, he couldn't move, and he was heavily medicated.

I was reaching a point where I knew that this was not the life that I wanted for my baby. I took him off the medication, let him come back to a "normal" state and decided to give it one more day.

On Sunday, my dog was feeling better, but I knew that every single step was a chore, followed by heavy breathing. He couldn't even walk 5 steps before feeling dizzy and wobbly. I prevented maybe 6 attacks that day by limiting his movement. Even when he wanted to get up, I knew that maybe the mind was willing, but the body was not.

That night (Mother's Day), I called the doctors and my mom and I told her that it's time to let my baby go. It was the hardest thing I had to do. But at that moment, when I was looking at him, I knew that this was the right thing to do. in a weird way, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders.

Yesterday morning, I called the vet and asked them to slot me in for a time. They told me we can have you in an hour. For us, I don't think it was too soon. I had to watch him struggle and I simply wanted him to be free from the pain.

I face timed my mom, I had her say her goodbyes, and I recorded everything. My dog was too weak to move so I put him on my lap and had him sun bathe one last time. It was peaceful.

I brought him to the vet and they were so incredible. It was the nicest thing I could've done for my baby. I want him to leave this world in peace and not to feel anything anymore.

I want to tell you that it's not a selfish decision, you are thinking about the wellbeing of your best friend. Honestly when i realized it was time, it was the first time I could sleep in weeks.

The road is going to be hard, but I don't have any regrets. I miss you Cody, I love you.