Is she in pain? We had our little dog put down in August because we knew he didn't have much longer to live with so many things wrong and could see he was in pain. Never regretted giving him a pain free death but sure miss him every day.

We were lucky that our golden died at home. She never appeared to be in pain, but goldens are stoic.

It is a very difficult call to make. Some vets have services where they do a home visit.

Can you request your vet come to your house. I did that, it was nice to have her calm and comfortable.

The trouble is, dogs will naturally HIDE their pain, not to appear vulnerable to the pack.

Very few animals go to sleep peacefully at home. Wishful thinking is not a service to your pet. The true gift of selfless love is to help them across the bridge. Bottom line, waiting is for you, not your dog. (what vets can't/won't say, but I will) Every animal deserves the dignity of a death without stress, without another painful day to struggle through, for all that they give us.

It's such a hard decision to make. I fear it is coming fast for me with one of my cats. All I can say is big hugs and you know your pet better than anyone else.

Ditto on hiding their pain. Roxie (my cat) was sick last January and she was at the vet's for days. She wouldn't eat. At home she vomited and it was very dark, which prompted the vet visit.

It turned out she had stomach cancer. She hid it, didn't let on she was in pain, just had no appetite.

I can't believe it's almost a year already.

Have your vet come to your home. That's what I did with my 16 yo beagle. There was an extra charge but worth every penny! She literally "went to sleep" in my arms. I wish I had done it earlier. True what everyone is saying about dogs hiding their pain. Love to you and your dear Emily.

I talked to them about pain today. I don't think she is in any pain. She eats a lot. In fact I've made her two small meals of chicken that I boiled for chicken n dumplings today. She gobbled it all down. She has been going outside on her own. I just went in the kitchen to grab something and she followed me in there wanting food.

Every so often I read through those questions you ask if you are wondering when you should euthanize a pet and she hasn't shown any of the signs.

My vet doesn't come to your house and that is one reason I don't want to take her in if I don't have to. I don't want her to be afraid at the end. I will take her, though, if she can't walk anymore, quits wanting food/water, or appears to be in pain.

I'm glad Emily is doing better. The day will come, but not today.

good news

If she's eating, eliminating, doesn't have bad breath, isn't expelling a lot of gas, is not moving around constantly (trying to 'get away' from pain), she's probably OK for now. Does she have sight? Hearing? Two of our Westies navigated primarily by scent for about a year before the end.

So glad Emily is doing better. Make each day a special one!

End of life decisions for your pet are tough, I've had to make them many times. It sounds to me that you know Emily and how she is feeling. If she stops eating, that would be my sign. Good luck, enjoy each day you have with her.

I'm very glad Emily is doing better. I agree that it isn't time yet.

Chisue, she is fairly deaf, have to clap to get her attention if she is out in the yard. She doesn't respond to my voice. She also hates going out in the dark now and I'm sure it's because her eyesight isn't great.

Thanks for all your responses.