when's it time to call it a day?

[SammyFoxTerrier]

My 16½ year old fox terrier is deteriorating. She seems to have forgotten where to do her toilet business (both sorts), either that or it comes over her so quickly she can't get outside quick enough. Been to the vet and there's nothing wrong with her urine, except for a bit of excess protein (I thought she was drinking more than usual but maybe that's because I'm having to clear it up all the time!) and her blood's okay, too (had that tested as well). I can cope with the mess, although it's a bit time-consuming, but her sight's gone now, too, and her hearing is almost non-existent. I worry that she's not very happy and a bit isolated in her own head - she's certainly got clingy since her sight went and is always under my feet. She's eating fine, in fact, perhaps too much - I suppose it's one of the few things she's got left to enjoy, and her health is pretty good - apart from a bit of stiffness. I don't know what to do. Some people are saying to me it can't be much of a life for her, but, as I say, her overall health is actually quite good. I don't want her to have a miserable life just because I love her to bits and don't want to lose her, but then again it is bringing me down a bit. I know it's nobody's decision but mine, but I could do with some advice/support.

[AtomicSkies]

i think you need to really try and remove the emotional side a bit and think about her quality of life...does she seem happy? does she get excited about things? my boyfriends family had a 17 or 18 year old yorkie and the last 6 months or year i feel it was borderline cruel to keep him alive...he had some sort of stroke and would spend his entire day sleeping on a futon if he had to do business he did it as he laid there...if he got hungry or thirsty he would cry and walk in circles and he had to be held with the food or water dish in his face to eat or drink and he could only eat rice and boiled ground beef...we would often have to rescue him because he wondered behind something, or under something or even up against something that would prevent him from going in his circle...there comes a point where you just kinda know...they look at you and you know....

good luck with your decision i am glad that i do not have to make it yet...best wishes

oh and welcome from my fur kids and i

[vac1102]

This is such a hard decision to make and only you can make it. You have support here whatever you choose to do.

[Dauxside]

As AS said it's about the quality of life rather than quantity - as long as she's still having a "good" time, can get around well, still is happy in your company than her quality is relatively good. It's when they withdraw from us - sleep more of the day away, are in pain constantly that we really have to consider helping them to the bridge.

They give so much, they ask so little the best we can do is love them until it's time and then help them over.