<p>laxmom: so sorry about your Casey. I think we can worry about and get just as upset about our beloved pets as our children.</p>
<p>I lost a dear Schnauzer to cancer the fall my only D started college. It is very hard with a slowly deteriorating situation to know what to do and when. This dog had a tumor in her paw, which gradually got worse and worse, but the rest of her was fine. She was too old for major surgery. It wasn’t really true for us that we “knew” when was the right time for the end of her life. The advice you got above about talking things through with the vet ahead of time is good. </p>
<p>My vet told me that most dogs now die of cancer, so most owners have some hard decisions to make. As long as Casey is still having mostly good days and you can cope with her care, you are doing the best for her.</p>
<p>So my dog is going back to the dr tomorrow, I expect that unless she bounds up the stairs ( she likes the vet- people there ya know & treats), Vet will suggest that I start planning for her last days.</p>
<p>However, the timing could hardly be worse, my mother has been in the hospital for the past two weeks, is expected to be discharged to a temporary care facility, but is also suffering from asphasia from a TIA after her most recent surgery according to my brother. ( she has been in and out of the hospital at least 10 times this past year.</p>
<p>I know some get to the point where they are having to carry their dogs outside to go to the bathroom- she is still interested in food and cooking ( and for a lab- that is important), but it is frustrating cause I really don’t know what to do.
Should be able to tell tomorrow though, cause she really likes the vet but if she doesn’t show interest then I will know it is time.</p>
<p>^ I am a firm believer that dogs know when it is their time to pass on. She will tell you when it is time to go. Our dog would try to crawl under the bed and wouldn’t give us kisses. The other hid behind the tv and wouldn’t eat. </p>
<p>Just trust your heart. You know your pet better than anyone else.</p>