I am heartbroken.
My two dogs have declined very quickly. They are 15 1/2 years old and we've had them since they were found on the road at 3 months old. They have similar brindle coloring and could be littermates, although their build is very different. Sam is definitely a "Heinz 57" while Sidney is the picture of a Plott Hound. They are both as sweet as they can be. They are wonderful, wonderful dogs who think they are horses... or else the horse thinks she is a dog. It's not clear.
Sam can barely walk, despite a heavy cocktail of pain meds. He looks like a drunken sailor when he tries. Sidney is less lame, but won't eat enough calories of any food to maintain her weight. She seriously looks like she doesn't have a mom. She loves to try different things, but just won't eat enough. This is her "fat" season and you can see every bone in her body.
I came across a professional picture that was taken of all 3 of us in 2015 when they were hearty and smiling big doggy smiles. If nothing else, that cements in my head how far they have gone down.
I made an appointment for a final "farm call" next Tuesday, with the crematory to arrive at the same time. They have had a life together and will go together, in every way. I don't want the last thing to be a traumatic car ride (they hate vehicles of any kind), and then try to figure out how to lift them out. Let them lounge on the grass instead, until the vet they know and love arrives.
The thing about dogs is that they will force a smile and wag their tails until the very last day. Cats are hard enough, but at least they sort of withdraw at the end... well, all of ours all did.
They've had a good life by any measure, especially for 50+pound dogs. But let's not let rationality get in the way. We want them to be happy and healthy for far longer than this, but we do normally outlive our beloved pets.
I know this group will understand. I just wanted to say it. I have plenty of support from friends who will actually be here with me, and I'm so thankful for that. But, damn, it hurts! 
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Thank you so much. 
Sometimes I feel like I'm plotting their murder. It's so comforting to have friends who understand. I really do not want them to suffer. I love them so much.
And the hardest.
Well, the kindness part. I know it's the hardest. Made worse by having to wait so long for a farm call. Vets are just so busy these days.
...of our vets once said to me that we bring our animals into our lives, knowing that we will most likely outlive them. We do it anyway, because life is so much richer with them in it. Many, many cats have enriched my life and left their paw prints on my heart.
I have chosen the terminology "liberating the spirit" when the time comes to let them go. I don't like "put down" or "put to sleep," and euthanize sounds so clinical. May that final farm call to liberate their spirits be peaceful.
Hugs from afar -
This is an especially bad year for us. When you adopt babies all at the same time ...
I couldn't live without my furbabies.
Love your terminology. I will try to remember it.
It's nice not to be alone right now.
No matter how well our head knows we are doing the right thing, our heart still breaks.
Everyone who has known them all these years agrees that it's time. If it weren't, I wouldn't be struggling. It would just be another day. That's the head.
The heart is completely broken. Thank you.
Not taking them out of their home, letting them go together, unaware, comfortable as can be, happy and not alone. It will hurt you more than them. But that's love. And right now for them, it's everything.
I love them so much. I have to remember that it's best for them.
The muscles just don't cooperate.
I'm so sorry about your cat.
She bumps him in the tummy trying to get him to stand up if she thinks he's been lying down for too long. Everyone thinks this about their dogs, but they are really the best dogs ever. Just so sweet and awesome.
If I ever did anything to hurt or offend them, you'd never know. They're really the definition of love.
It's so nice to be with people who get it.
Sending you light and love. I am so sorry. 💔
Thank you.
The harder it is. But it’s been 15 wonderful years and a few months of decline.
I sometimes wonder if I’m a good enough pet parent, but I do what I can. Thank you for your kindness.
dogs are the best family members ever.
That's a great comic. It says it all.
There's really not a lot that helps. Still, it's good not to be alone.
With all the pain, I would do it all again.
This will be 3 for the year so far. We had to say goodbye to one of our 16-year-old cats a few months ago. This is the first time we've had two together, but it's the right thing to do for them.
We had to put our Jack Russell, Jake, down on the 18th. He was 16.5 and I had him since he was 3 months. It's tough but all part of the cycle, as you know. Virtual hugs to you and yours.
tried to post but was in a remote area.
I am terribly sorry for this moment you are in, I know this moment so well.
Your little angels are so special, I hope for much peace at this time. 
