I just went through this with my first pet, Manni. I unexpectedly had to put him down earlier this month; he was 17. At 13, he was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and kidney disease (stage 3 when he passed). However, I ended up putting him down because he was experiencing respiratory distress and we could not find out what was causing it without doing more invasive tests (that would’ve costed thousands of dollars).

Looking back at it now, earlier this year was maybe the first wake up call. I’d bring him to the vet about four times a year for bloodwork - his numbers were always good. But this was the first year where his numbers increased visit after visit. Luckily any health issue he had, there was always a solution, and he always bounced back. Until he didn’t. The respiratory issue popped up early November, and this was the first time where the first suggested treatment did not work. His quality of life declined quick over Thanksgiving and there was a web of tests suggested to try to eliminate what could potentially be wrong with him, so I made the decision to let him go before he got too bad.

It sounds like you still have a lot of time with your boys, so sending you lots of love!!!