I posted a few days ago about how you know when it's time. I didn't think the time would come so quickly. Yesterday DS & I came home from a day out and Sam could barely stand. He was in the back garden - I'm not sure how long he was out there. He was happy to be picked up & held which he hasn't wanted in a very long time. After dinner, I was putting things away and DS said Sam peed in the house. He was standing beside his dog door and just couldn't get out. He spent hours shaking and panting. This morning he was up at 5:30am, went outside (I heard him) and was there for about 3 hours until I finally brought him in. He was just basking in the sun. I honestly thought he'd gone then and I wish he had. He was lethargic all morning so I made an emergency appointment for the afternoon but I figured this was it. We spent the time up to the appointment snuggling while DS watched tv and played outside. I have been an absolute wreck. Of course at the vet's office he perked up but still wasn't himself. Had he been as perky at home I wouldn't have taken him in but he barely had any water prior to the visit - it was if lapping it up was just too much. I managed to stay with him at the end. I wasn't able to do it for our beagle but she was well known at our old vet (2 ACL surgeries & cancer surgery will do that) and I knew she'd be cuddled and cared for. I feel so guilty because he perked up at the vet but they said all they could was an IV of fluids & vitamins and I didn't want to have to go through the same thing in a week or two. I explained to DS as best I could that Sam was very very sick and probably wouldn't be coming home. DS understood that Sam's eyes were broken. A few days ago, DS was so pleased that he wanted to give Sam a treat by himself and got the treat bag open and got one out. I didn't think Sam would take it because he was laying in his bed but DS gently leaned down and offered it and Sam turned his head and ate the treat. DS was so excited and it was a nice moment.
Sorry I'm rambling. I just don't have anyone else to really tell since DH is away and will be absolutely devastated.