Am I doing the right thing? Devastated.

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We inherited a dog from a family member who passed away 8 years ago. He wasn't treated very well but has been treated like royalty since becoming ours. I'm just sad I didn't know the circumstances beforehand as I would've done everything in my power to have had him sooner.

We simply absolutely adore him. He was our baby when we didn't have babies then continued to be afterwards. He's just wonderful.

The past week has seen him decline significantly. He's struggling to walk. He is vomiting bile regularly and has barely been eating. He's passing urine when he stands up after lying down. His breath smells cancerous - sounds silly but my MILs both dogs had the exact same breath; both of whom had cancer. He's not interested in eating the past two days and has lost weight. His beautiful coat has lost its shine. He's a very very active dog but has been struggling to get out of the door for his walks which are his favourite thing. We took him to see the vet on Monday and she'd spoken about putting him down. He's outlived the life expectancy of both breeds (he's a cross) at 15. We declined, hoping for a miraculous recovery as this has all happened so very quickly.

We are going abroad for three weeks - our flight is early hours on Monday morning. We are getting married there next week, so can't postpone. He was booked to be at a dog sitter's house for the duration - she lives in a farm house amongst sprawling fields which he loves. But I just know he won't be here when we get home. His little body is so, so tired and he's lost his zest for life.

I've noticed a decline for months but the past week I've seen a dog I don't recognise. My children utterly adore him and he loves them too. He's been my rock in so many ways and for so long.

Would the right thing be to have him put to sleep tomorrow, so he is with us? We have contacted a vet who are able to do it but the thought just shatters my heart in to a million pieces. The decision just feels so rushed but I don't want him to suffer any more than he already has been. I can't even look at him tonight. My poor baby.

Letting him go is the kindest bittersweet gift you can give him
Let his last moments feel safe and loved
I'm so sorry

It's going to happen. All he needs from you is to make it easy for him now. Mind you this post made me sob andi don't know you and I've never seen the dog. We bloody love dogs don't we x

Also the trip abroad is a good distraction for the grief. You need to move this along now x

I hope you’ve confirmed the vet appointment now, OP. He might love the dogsitter but not like he loves you. He can’t enjoy his time there, and it’s unfair on everyone to do anything but take the vet’s advice. You will regret much more making an old beloved dog suffer than giving an old beloved dog peace.

Love means letting go when it is time.

I know you know it is time.

You gave him nearly a lifetime full of love. Think on that when you make the appointment. Let him go in love.

So many of us know this heartache. You aren’t alone. Be with him when it is time for him to go. Your heart and your boy will thank you for it. ]

It's so heartbreaking and so obvious from your words how much you all love him.

This will be the last kind act you can do for him. Please let him go today and hold him tight.

Hugs for you all x

I think it would be kindest to let him go before you travel. Moving him to the dog sitters house would be unsettling and possibly more painful for him when he's very unwell.

You absolutely must let him go before you go. Don't make him spend his last days with the dog sitter. However much he loves her, she isn't his family.

Let him go before you travel so he's with you and you can say goodbye. You've done so well by him - this is the last loving act you can do for him

So sorry this is happening. Especially when you are going away to get married. You’re head must be spinning.

it always feels too soon. Comes round too quickly. Rushes up and snacks you in the face even though you know it’s inevitable.

my old boy died on Friday. PTS in the boot of my car and was gone before I finished my sentence about chasing squirrels. He’s been failing for a while and the only reason to keep him going was to delay the inevitable but make him suffer longer.

we all felt relieved afterwards. He was at peace. We cried like fools too but it was our last kindness to our lovely old.

Im on my way on holiday today and at least I know he doesn’t need me.

Thanks everyone for your kind words. They are very much needed. My beautiful boy is at peace now. We will miss him forever.

So sorry op but it was the best thing you could do for him at the end

So sorry, but definitely the kindest thing for him, still heartbreaking though.

Ah, he's so beautiful. It's the hardest thing to do but you did the right thing. ❤️

So very sad, but the very last loving kindness you could offer your dearest boy. They break our hearts don't they?

I had my boy from 8 weeks old and after weeks of denial had my loving best friend pts 3 weeks ago aged 15 I couldn't watch him go through another night of pain and pacing and crying in anxiety because he didn't recognise us he was a shell of the boy he was it was time. I'm still crying writing this. Let him be at peace hun it hurts like he'll but its the right thing to do thinking of you xxx

Aww, what a lovely boy. You did the right thing. It is so difficult, I remember being told when I questioned when the right time was to let my girl go that with PTS, ‘ it is better to do it a day too early than a day to late”. He was not himself for a while, it was his time, and you were with him. Perfect.

What a handsome boy. That expression!

Well done. I’m so sorry. You did a good thing, though it’s heartbreaking

What a beautiful boy 🐶

It sounds like he had a wonderful, wonderful life with you. You so did the right thing xx

Yes it time. Its hard but its the last act of kindness you can give an animal. Please be with him when he goes xx

So beautiful

What a wonderful life you gave him

Bless you OP you sound like a lovely owner. Our old vet had a saying, "better a week early than a day late." Natural death is overrated. The last good thing we can do for them is let them slip away peacefully in our arms.

What a beautiful boy. I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry.
We've just had a similar situation with our dear old 16 yo boy. You have my heartfelt sympathy.

What a very special boy. Who clearly knows how loved he was and continues to be.