How do you know?

[tinyem77]

My springer spaniel is 14, she's a beautiful dog, got her as a rescue at 7 as she'd reached the end of her working life, and her owner either shot her or rehomed her. She's had a fabulous life with us, but she's struggling at the moment. She's never shown when she's in pain, she's just got on with it. She's now losing her legs, double incontinent, but, she's still going for walks and loves her cuddles. I'm worried that I'm keeping her for my sake and she may be ready to go. How do you know when it's time to let them go?

That must be absolutely heartbreaking for you @tinyem77

Has the vet given you any advice? Do they think she's in pain?

Is she still getting excited about going for walks? Is she enjoying her food?

Oh its heartbreaking OP.
My experiences, our 1st boy, the vet was sure had cancer, he was weeing big blood clots and had arthritis, his gums were white, the Vet said he needed an emergency blood tranfusion and it would give him a few weeks...... we let him go.
Our 2nd boy, his back legs collapsed and there was nothing we could do - well maybe extremely expensive surgery. We let him go.
Both still seemed to be enjoying life, eating, drinking go for walks etc but I cant imagine the pain they both must have been in. I think its better to let them go a day early than a day too late.
On both occasions the vets recommend it.

Take advice from the vet.

for me, if my beautiful dDog was eating, up for his walk, that was enough.

My friend said when I asked how you knew it was time “when the bad days out weigh the good”

That sounds exactly like my old lab, we let him go at this stage, vet agreed. She didn't even have to administer the euthanasia drug as his heart stopped just after she sedated him.

Vet nurse here , is she living or existing ?
Write a list of pros and cons , if you can detach emotions for a minute really look, if she were a friends dog and you were asked for your opinion what would you say ?
Double incontinence is no way to live , don't go on the fact that she enjoys food still, most dogs eat up to the point of pts , I've even pts dogs eating treats as the needle goes in.
She is not worrying about the decision you will have to make , has she seen a vet?
Sometimes the owner can't see the wood for the trees and the opinion of someone who cares but doesn't have the emotional turmoil you are in can advise the right choice to make.
In our profession we have to do the kindest thing for our own beloved pets also and we really do know what you are going through.
I know its said repeatedly but its really true - better a day early.
I hope all goes well for your lovely dog, she is clearly loved .

Maybe ask your vet what they would do if it was their dog. Its so hard. Im in a similar situation at the moment and I think i might make my own post.