Hey all! This may be kind of a dumb post as I know I need to make this decision myself, but I‘d sure love some advice. My oldest dog is 11, going on 12. The poor girl is diabetic, blind, has fatty lipomas, and mobility issues due to diabetes, breed, and age. This morning, we are fairly sure she had a stroke of some sort (the vet agrees with this diagnosis so far, blood work and an X-ray are incoming). She eats but doesn’t really want to get up much, and is generally just resting most of the day. She still has a bit of sparkle in her eyes but she doesn’t really seem to have much energy left. The vet hasn’t mentioned it, but I‘m pretty sure it’s about time to say goodbye. The most important thing to my partner and I is that once she’s suffering, it’s time to let go. She just ate a nice full dinner but still doesn’t want to get up and do much. How long would you give her? Till she’s not eating? The vet hasn’t brought it up yet, so maybe I should be patient, but she’s been such a good friend, I don’t want her to suffer. I’m just at a loss, and this is the first time I‘ve had to do this horrible calculus.
IMO there are just two questions to ask. Is she in pain? Is she ever going to get better? If the answer to the first is yes, and the second is no, then it's time.
I don’t think she‘s in pain just yet, but she sure isn’t going to get better. We‘ve been coming down the mountain for a bit. The worst part is that does let me know what I need to know. I‘d rather avoid the pain, and let her go before she suffers. Thank you for your kind response. I‘ve really appreciated the support at this time. I Hope you‘re well, friend.