When should i know it's time to put my Dog down?

[Lew60]

My dog stopped walking.  she is 14+ years old.  she can not walk in the yard to do her business, so she does it on herself.  she's eating and drinking water, but she has zero leg mobility in her hind legs.  my vet says she needs $5K in surgery, but gaurantee she'll fully recover.  i do not want her to continue suffering.  

[BabaluandOtis2]

Hi,

I am sorry to hear about your baby. But 14+ yrs. Wow! You've obviously done a great job in caring for her. I've had a few live to those ages while having various age related issues. We just had to say goodbye in January to one of ours. he was not very old, about 8-9, not sure since he was adopted by my dad from a shelter, which made it so hard because it was like still having a piece of my dad here with us. But he had kidney disease, and I had lost other dogs to this and knew the signs, and what was to come. I wasn't going to have him continue having accidents knowing he was wrong ( I never blamed him, but HE knew he shouldn't do that) And I wanted him to go with dignity. there just comes a time when they let you know " I'm ready now".  I thought I would have to do it around Christmas, and I was so upset because it was the first one since losing my dad   (mom passed in '97)  that I was finally enjoying the holiday again. But he waited, he had a ball on Christmas, opening his gifts, playing with his brothers, etc.. But right after the new year he went downhill fast. it was like he knew and waited.                         I've had to put 4 of mine down in the past 7 yrs. thankfully the other 3 lived long lives like yours. And as hard as it is, I am grateful that we have the choice to help them leave this world and us with dignity and not suffer.

In my opinion, at this age, surgery is VERY risky and it takes so much longer to recover, just like humans when we get older, things just don't heal as well, as soon. There is no way your vet can "gaurantee" anything with any surgery, especially at this age. And w/ the type she needs, it will be very hard.
I think you know the answer.......and you are looking for some comfort and reassurance.......and yes you have it. It's the most loving thing you can give her right now.
I have realized in these past 7 yrs. saying goodbye to mine that they aren't meant to be with as long as we'd like because there are always so many more out there that need us.

I'm wishing you strength and faith with what you are facing right now, but it is the right choice. Sending you and your baby hugs & smooches xoxo

Take care, and know that you've done a fantastic job of being a furbaby parent and given her a fantastic life......believe me, she knows it too.....
Teresa <3

[suzi-q]

Wow!  Your dog has had a wonderful life!  It must be very hard to make this decision.  Considering her age, I feel that euthenizing her would be understandable.  However if she is in good health besides that, I would try the surgery.  Of course, this is a personal decision considering finances, health of the dog etc.  Whatever your decision, I feel that it will be appropriate.  May God help you find your answer.