How do you make that fatal decision to put your dog down?

I wouldn't put her down if it was my dog. She sounds like a happy dog. She sounds healthy except for the fact that she can't walk much anymore. If she isn't in any pain or sick, I would let her live out her years. She probably has a touch of arthritis at her age and that's why she can't walk. I wouldn't even consider putting my dog down because of incontinence. You are right about that. How many seniors (humans) are walking around with adult diapers on. It's bound to happen with age. It happens. I would just let her live out her days if she is healthy and happy.

Yes, it's about quality of life. I wouldn't put her down until she's obviously suffering and no longer getting any enjoyment from life. My friend had a akita mix who was diagnosed with cancer at age 11 and was treated with chemo. He had a good year after that but then his health started deteriorating. He had terrible bouts with pancreatitis which were extremely painful. He would eat very little and eventually lost so much weight he was just skin and bones - just a shadow of his former self. Eventually he would lie down and could only get up with extreme effort on his part. Finally he couldn't or wouldn't get up at all unless his owner pulled him up. He would be lying down when his owner went to work and he would be in exactly the same place and position when his owner came home. He wouldn't respond when he saw his owner - previously he would get all excited and wag his tail enthusiastically when his owner returned after even a short absence.

It was obvious that illness had taken the essence of the dog and he was no longer there - he was being forced to go through a long, lingering death process just because his owner couldn't let go. The owner had to take him to the vet and have him put down. It was devastating but it was the right thing to do because the dog had suffered so much and would only suffer more and more until he died. The owner still feels guilty even though he did everything he could to prolong the dog's life with vet care and medications. He did the right thing for his dog though.

I think when your dog not longer is alert, wagging her tail and smiling at you, that happens because she is suffering and in pain and it's time to let her go. My friend got a puppy a few months after his dog died and he is very happy with him but he still loves his previous dog and has wonderful memories of their 13 years together.

I know someone who recently lost his dog who was 13 years old. Over the last few years of his life, the dog was in good health but had lost most if not all of his vision and hearing. The dog woke up from a nap, stood up and then collapsed and died. That is the best way for a dog to go because they don't suffer at all. It's possible that will happen with your dog if you let nature take its course and in that case you wouldn't have any guilt. It it were my dog, I would spend lots of time with her, give her lots of affection, feed her her favorite foods, keep her comfortable, and make her remaining days, weeks or even months as happy and enjoyable as possible. It's a tough decision, but you know your dog and the two of you will know when it's time. The fact that you're asking this question indicates that you're not sure about what to do. Please wait until you're sure.

Yeah its gotta be one of the hardest decisions to ever make. You literally have to choose to say goodbye to your best friend and compainion for so many years. If the vet says it would be the best for the dog and she is just suffering... it is the right thing to do. If her quality of life is no more and it hurts her to live... it would be for the best to have her put down.

It almost made me cry when u said she still smiles and wags her tail. That must really kill you since you have this decision to make.

So like i said... if the vet suggests it.. it is the right thing to do. But allow a week or so for her to be pampered and to really enjoy your time with her and all the great memories you have had. Im sure she has served you really well and its time to do whats best for her. Just spend as much time with her as you can now, praise her for her years of serving you

Forgot to add in. Definatly dont do it if shes not in pain and still happy of course!! Im just saying if her quality of life is no more, then its time. But if shes happy, let her live out her life with her family :)

There's only one person that can look at her quality of life and make that decision, and that's you. If the dog isn't in pain, still looks like she's enjoying herself, then a little more laundry isn't a big issue. If the dog no longer got up, was in pain, then I'd say it was time.

I'd only put her down if she were in a lot of pain. I put one of my dachshunds down with the advice of my vet because he had broken his back. It was 4 years ago. For weeks I grieved and knew that I had made the wrong choice. I should have given him more time. I miss him everyday. Once you do it it can not be undone. Make sure it's the right choice for her and you.

I can not make the decision for you, but I will say that if my dog had lost that much quality in its life, I would have decided it was time to help the guy out of his nightmare.

Get some doggie diapers and put them on the dog

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=doggie%20...