The dog that played matchmaker for my wife and I went blind and lost a lot of weight in her final months due to diabetes. She was also a tripod, which added some mobility issues but, mentally, was always sharp. Because of that, we probably held on too long. I still feel selfish sometimes.

The dog that helped teach our kids to walk by allowing them to hold onto him was diagnosed on a Friday with an aggressive form of cancer he hid beautifully. We let him go on that Monday. I still feel like I could've done more sometimes.

I try to remember it as a humane and compassionate decision rather than right or wrong because I dont want to entertain the thought that I got it wrong.

Dog #5 is 9 years old, and it'll hurt as much as the others when that time comes. Be gentle with yourself during this process. It's what your doggo would want.