Will I know when the time is right?

[lipstickwoman]

My gorgeous girl is unwell, and we're waiting for biopsy results. The vet is concerned and clearly preparing us for bad news.

I am not going to put her through a lot of treatment and prolong what will be inevitable and I will try and do what's best for her, always, no matter how much it hurts me

I'm worried though I won't know when. Will I? She's my first dog and I really really want what's best for her.

Yes, you will know.

I'm so sorry you're going through this and I understand completely as we got a terminal diagnosis for our elderly springer just yesterday.

She has lymphoma which has metastasized to her liver, the prognosis is a couple of months. The plan is to give her steroids to keep her comfortable, then we will PTS when she starts to deteriorate. Like you, I won't entertain the idea of invasive treatment.

I've gone through this before with other animals. You know when it's time when their quality of life isn't the same as before. It's best to PTS a week too early than a day too late, as the saying goes. As you know, it's what you have to do for the best, and you're a wonderful owner for putting her needs first. It does bloody hurt though.

@DramaAlpaca I so sorry your lovely dog is also so unwell. Lymphoma was one of the things discussed with us too.

I absolutely agree a bit early is better than too late.. what worries me though is she will be in pain and I won't know. I just don't want her to suffer and she hides pain well.

for you too.. it's so hard, but I will be brave for her, as I'm sure you will be too.

I think you will know. My pup didn't have any specific life ending illness but was just falling apart with bad joints. At one point the vet said, when you're ready, we're ready. We took her home and held on until life wasn't fun for her anymore. Can't play, can't chew, can't walk, can't chase squirrels.
The guilt was overwhelming, but it was the right time.