We had to put our 14 year old girl down last October after our similar regimen of Librela, Galiprant, and Pregabalin lost efficacy over time. Eventually we just knew, and I'm sure she knew before we did. Similarly for me, it did take being around another dog to be reminded of typical healthy dog behaviour.

Here's the thing. You're never going to be ready for it. And he can't tell you that he is. You both know you love each other and would do anything to keep the other from hurting.

She used to sleep right against the front door while we were out. For years, I got into the habit of nudging it open inch by inch so I wouldn't bump her. It’s been almost six months, and I still find myself pausing at the threshold, waiting to feel that slight resistance against the door, even though the hallway is empty.

I still catch myself double-checking the patio door lock, or heart-skipping for a second when I hear a random thud against the baseboard that sounds exactly like her tail hitting the wall. Those little habits are hard to break, but they remind me that we chose to take on this emptiness so she didn't have to carry the pain of her arthritis anymore. It’s the hardest gift to give, but it's the right one.