Thank you so much for asking this question! I have struggled with the quilt of this very question for at least 12 years now. I hear the comment "you will know when the time comes" numerous times. Like you I had to carry my dog down stairs and outside to potty. She had a hard time walking but wanted to go for walks. I don't remember what her appetite was like but I think I was OK. I do remember neighbors commenting on how they thought she was suffering too much when she walked. She was a Dalmatian and my first dog. I knew hardly anything about the medications she could have received for the prevention of arthritis and pain. She became incontinent and there are meds and I didn't know that. It was the incontinence that caused me to make my decision. She was always a elegant and proud dog. I felt that peeing in her bed was a real quality of life issue for her. I didn't mind cleaning up, but I think she have felt bad. I know I did NOT want to let her go but I am still struggling with the idea that I was influenced by outsiders and it not being the right time. I have a healthy 12 year old basenji who is getting very grey. I am really thankful for this discussion I want to be better prepared this time with appropriate medications and knowledge.

Thank you so much for asking this question! I have struggled with the quilt of this very question for at least 12 years now. I hear the comment "you will know when the time comes" numerous times. Like you I had to carry my dog down stairs and outside to potty. She had a hard time walking but wanted to go for walks. I don't remember what her appetite was like but I think I was OK. I do remember neighbors commenting on how they thought she was suffering too much when she walked. She was a Dalmatian and my first dog. I knew hardly anything about the medications she could have received for the prevention of arthritis and pain. She became incontinent and there are meds and I didn't know that. It was the incontinence that caused me to make my decision. She was always a elegant and proud dog. I felt that peeing in her bed was a real quality of life issue for her. I didn't mind cleaning up, but I think she have felt bad. I know I did NOT want to let her go but I am still struggling with the idea that I was influenced by outsiders and it not being the right time. I have a healthy 12 year old basenji who is getting very grey. I am really thankful for this discussion I want to be better prepared this time with appropriate medications and knowledge.