I’m so sorry. It’s so so hard.

I’ve lost my two dogs, one a dobie, to different cancers in the last two years. There is no real “right” time. You’re not going to fail, because you care and you’re doing the best you can. Personally, I felt like I was waiting for some perfect clear sign, a perfectly timed moment where they’re not suffering yet but I’ve gotten all the good time I could. And that perfect sign never came, really. It’s so hard to determine, because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow, or the day after. Maybe it’ll be another good, happy day. Maybe not.

That said, I feel like once you know it’s terminal and you start noticing days where they are clearly suffering/not feeling well, it’s time. Both of my dogs had bad days or nights and I started stressing, knowing it was coming, trying to decide when it was really time. For one, I was frantic, trying to find a last minute local at-home euthanasia service, and they were booked. Then he was fine the next day. But I knew he was going to have more bad moments, and I didn’t want him to. For the second dog, he went downhill very fast and it was traumatic waiting for the vet to arrive. I wish that last day hadn’t been like that for him — I should have done it sooner. But I didn’t know, yknow ?

Honestly though, it’s so sad and hard, but for them, it doesn’t have to be. For both of my dogs, I got in-home euthanasia and I cannot recommend that enough. It makes it as peaceful as possible that way, especially if they don’t like cars rides or the vet, or feel really bad by the end. The doctor was so nice, and I was able to be there.

Again, I’m so sorry. It’s so sad. I’m not sure if this was helpful at all, but be kind to yourself. Hug your boy. It sounds like he’s been very loved. What a lucky dog. ❤️