Tough question. My short answer to people is that when the dog doesn't enjoy life anymore, then it's time.

Dogs can get a disease similar to dementia, which sounds similar to what you describe.

It's a tough call to make. Been there with 2 of my personal dogs since graduating vet school. When it comes time, its the last nice thing we can do for them.

Sorry to hear, tough, personal, decision..

Sorry to hear that. It is a tough decision, prayers for you.

I get it.

I have known dogs that lost their sight and you are right, they compensate fantastically. Same with hearing. Once his mind drifts away, it is time.
It's only been since May for me, so the hurt is still heavy. You need to trust your instincts.

Marc

Feel for you on this decision. When it's time, have it done in Her house with you holding and talking to Her. Make it as easy as you can. Gonna be sad and I've had to do this several times over the years. It's never easy with a freind.

Honestly the answer is when compassion takes over the sense of selfishness.

That sucks Sapper. You know when the time is right and it will suck but you will know you did the right thing

I've had a dozen over the last 55 years and only two died in their sleep.

We are getting there too. It sucks hind tit. No way Wifeypoo will let me put her down and frankly, it would be tough.

See, now this is where people get up in arms and go ballistic about other people even suggesting that a second perusal of sentence structure (aka "grammar") might sometimes prove beneficial. Take a second look at the last sentence and ask yourself, "Could this be misinterpreted?"

(Kidding my friend.)

Please, do not forward to Wifeypoo.

I'm trying to figure this out myself. I have an old dog too. He's been a good dam dog.

I always talked to my vet and took their advice. They are a third party and don't have the emotional ties like you do.

I have one that turned 15 in June and still gets around really good but I can tell she's losing her mind. The past few weeks she has started only eating about every other day. I know her day is coming. I hate having to put a dog down but it is the nicest thing you can do for an old dog that isn't enjoying life anymore.

She's helped you out over the years, repay her (With love)

Mine had stage 4-5 heart murmur. Not enough O2 to the brain causing seizures. She would come to all weak and confused. One of the hardest things I have ever had to do.

Not trying to be a ... but I have always had Aussies and the quality of life with not being able to run wide open, bark and chase things, or follow commands. Every one that have ever had that’s what they live for. Pleasing us by having a job to do or what we ask of them. Extremely intelligent and the mind is going. It would make the decision way easier for me sir.
Will never make it any easier, it’s rough. Am having to go through the physical part of it before it gets cold. I am gonna have to do it. I am sorry

Cousin had a dog that went blind. It was amazing how well the dog could get around the appx 1/2 acre yard. Knew where the deck was fence was and storage building was, but if something knew came into the yard it took a bit to get used to. He eventually got very aggressive towards anything and everything that wasn't the owner and they put him down the old fashioned way and buried him out back.

I’ve had 3 aussies. She is way different lol. From day one she never liked being outside and has always been lazy. She would play and have fun but just didn’t enjoy being outside much. Would do her business and come right back to the door. The other 2 I’ve had were very active she has always just had a different mentality.

Yes sir I understand. I can see where could change things a little. Either way my heart goes out to your family. Hope y’all find peace either way.

Back in January I had two dogs. One of them was the best dog I ever had, everybody loved him. He got diagnosed with a fast moving cancer, and the vet told me the best thing I could do was make him comfortable for the few remaining weeks he had left. We did lots of truck rides, a few steaks, more chicken nuggets than any dog should eat... that one was an easy decision to make, but the most difficult experience I've had yet. Still miss that dog so bad it hurts sometimes.

A few days prior to that cancer diagnosis, my vet advised me that my other dog should likely be put down due to aggression. He was a foster failure that I ended up keeping for 4.5 years. His past was questionable to say the least, and between that and the meds he needed to keep his medical issues in check, it caused a progressive aggression issue that simply couldn't be fixed. Problem was, he was still a big, dumb, happy dog with me, when it was just us. With having to put my other dog down, and not wanting to come home to an empty house, I kept putting it off. In the end, I did what I had to do, but I still struggle with wishing I hadn't done it vs. knowing that I probably should have done it sooner.

Point is, lots of people will say "You'll know when it's time." but sometimes you just won't. Every decision you've made concerning that dog has been the correct one up until now, for her to have been around this long. All you can do is make the best decision you can given the information that you have. Whatever you decide, she'll know you did the best you could.

Thank you sir

That's a hard situation for you. I kinda feel like you will know when it's time. And that will be the right time. I have thought several times it might be the right time... but then I knew when it was. Not sure if that makes sense or not. Sorry man.

I feel for you, Sir. Never easy and we are very close to a similar decision. Our 10 year old corgi has a degenerative spinal condition and has lost the ability to stand, but still scoots around well. The condition started in his right hind leg, and progressed to his left. Vet told us he is in no pain, but eventually it will progress to his front legs and he'll become incontinent - we've decided that will be the time. Hate to do it - one of the best behaved dogs I have ever been around.