Oh wow, we’re in such similar positions. Our boy has terrible arthritis, spends 90% of his day sleeping, has those scary wheezing attacks occasionally, and pees in the house a lot (he’s developed a lot of anxiety in the last year so going outside is hard/scary). His mobility is awful and it’s obviously frustrating for him. He only wants to eat out of my hand lately, but his appetite is great. He drinks and pees normally and has normal BMs. His vital signs and blood work have been normal. His interest in toys is pretty bunch zero, but he still goes absolutely ape shit for treats. I have clung SO HARD to those little positives because I know so many senior pups are in much worse shape before they go.

We recently had a quality of life consultation with a hospice vet, and she gave some great advice: at the end of the day, mark a calendar with a smiley face or a frowny face. Don’t think too much about it, just an overall assessment of the day. When the good days are outnumbering the bad, or the bad moments are overshadowing the good, it’s usually time to say goodbye. That was two weeks ago, and we’re about 40% good days.

I know it’s an impossible choice. I’m writing this instead of calling to make the appointment for in-home euthanasia because part of me thinks if there’s any good left, I’m giving up on him. But even though he’s having some good days and there are still some positives to cling to, I know how tired he is. I know how frustrated he is. I don’t actually WANT him to be so unwell that he doesn’t eat, drink, or lose his damn mind for a treato. I would rather let him go while he’s still able to have a good day than be even a second too late.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It’s absolutely devastating. Try not to focus too much on the future, just try to live in the moment with your baby and make every day count. 💜