re: Reading dog threads on here for years.... when do you know it's time for the big sleep?

Although I love them, I will probably never get a large breed ever again. It’s just too stressful when they’re old. Mine got arthritis and it was very hard to get him to and from the vet. One day, he just couldn’t stand up anymore. Plus smaller dogs live longer and it’s just too painful to build that bond and watch it die every 10-12 years.