I have a wonderful 15 year old Llasa Apso that I have had since he was 10 weeks. Needless to say, I can't imagine my life without him. He has Cushings disease and arthritis. His back knee has been a wreck for about five years and he doesn't bear much weight upon it. He uses both back legs to hop like a bunny when he runs. His many other health issues, his age, and my financial situation caused me to not consider the reconstructive knee surgery. The Cushings actually provided him with pain relief for years. He is also deaf (for about 3 years) and mostly blind. I know that sounds pretty dreadful, but he is a really happy dog. He still plays and wags his tail often. He runs in from outside and darts into the kitchen to get a treat. He is a vegetarian due to massive allergies earlier in his life and loves food and treats. He weighs 23 lbs and now takes about 75 - 125 mg of tramadol, depending on his signs of pain (usually loud repeated moaning on a bad day). The drugs make him a bit loopy. He races back and forth (on carpet) and barks like a maniac sometimes, barking with his tail wagging the whole time. When he goes into the kitchen to get a drink he slips and falls on the tile if he is moving too fast. Because of the knee, arthritis and the muscle deterioration he can't get up on his own. I have to pick him up and put him back on his feet. This breaks my heart. He used to be a great sleeper, but now he is awake most of the night. It is often Cushings related, he needs water, he needs to go out to urinate, or he needs to check his dish to make sure he finished his dinner. (and of course he did) He sleeps in the bed with me, so I am involved in his all night antics. (he can't get on or off by himself)
I give him a total of 7 pills a day and 4 eye treatments, he is happy, but often uncomfortable. I always thought I would know when it was time... but I am struggling. How do I know when to say goodbye?

Teach, you are voicing the struggle all pet owners go through when their dog is old. So, hard to know when the right time is. 15 is old. Does he seem more uncomfortable than comfortable during the day? It really comes down to quality of life and not allowing it to get to the point where he is in a constant state of obvious pain. Can you handle the all nighters and function, or is it becoming too overwhelming for you? I would have to assume that there is a certain amount of stress or discomfort for him if he can't seem to settle down. What does your vet say? I would follow the vets lead on this. Your dog might have a few more good months in him. Or he may not. If I were in your position, I would have a heart to heart with my vet and follow his advice. I wish you luck. I know that this is not an easy situation for you and I feel for you. This is never an easy time when your dog is winding down in life. Finding the exact right moment is very difficult and sometimes it is best to have an objective 3rd party tell you their opinion. In this case, it really should be your vet.

This is one of the toughest decisions a dog owner ever makes. I really look at whether the dog is enjoying life or just existing. I struggled over Randy, and I didn't even know him. Part of my decision was that he had outlived everybody he knew and loved. The older a dog gets, the more important familiar people are. Our house is always open when our friends need a place for their dog for a while. The younger ones usually love spending some time in a house with another younger dog.

http://www.photolocker.net/images/Labman/gretchenandellaplaying.jpg

The older ones spend their time carefully watching out the window.

Your dog has you, and seems to be enjoying many activities. I am getting old enough I hurt some too. I am not ready to call Dr. Kevorkian. It is tough watching an old dog suffer. When I take 13 year old Aster out for a walk, she will be happily trotting along, and then stumble on her arthritic right front paw. None of us here will judge you, whatever your decision.

Thank you both for your input and your compassion. My vet is wonderful and she absolutely adores my dog. She has given me the ranges of meds I can use to ease his discomfort and when they aren't stopping the pain, I must obviously let him go. I know she is worried about me because she has given me her home number in case it gets too bad one night. She has told me she wants to be with me even if I am at some 24 hour animal hospital. This isn't a small town, I live in big city, and she is an angel. My point is, I don't want to be selfish. He has given me so much joy. I wanted the opinion of strangers, who would look at it from the dogs point of view. Thanks. I know the day is coming... but not today. Got to go, the lil' maniac is barking his head off in the bathroom. I think he can hear a bit in there, because of all the tile - he always loved to bark! Sounds like a Rott. :)