re: When do you know it’s time to put a pet down?

First of all, anyone with a lab understands how lucky you are to have had one for 17 years as that's almost unheard of. If talking to your vet about his quality of life isn't possible, consider his day-to-day life in number form. Activities he usually enjoys, add/subtract 1 for each day; peeing/pooping inside the house or on himself -1, eating/drinking +/-1; engaging in his favorite activities +/-1; wagging his tail +/-1. After a few days, if the negatives outweigh the positives, then it's probably time to give him some relief. So many people drag out the process for selfish reasons. Dogs aren't selfish and deserve to go out with dignity.

Your vet can talk you through the process which is painless for your dog.

Had to put my 15 year old Irish Setter down Wednesday afternoon. It has been a rough couple of days. I miss her so much!

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We cooked up a steak as a last meal for ours when we were making the decision. He barely even cared and had trouble eating it. We knew then.

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Yep. When they refuse to eat their favorite meals for two or three days in a row, that's their sign to you that they have had enough and are ready to move on. I learned a lot from my beagle the last week she was alive. It was tough to watch.

I was in this situation twice last year and it's terrible. However don't keep your pet alive out of selfish reasons. He has a great 14 years and it's time. Call a service that will come to your home so you can love on him and he is comfortabl. If your in Baton Rouge I recommend lap of love, Dr. Karlie has a calling for this, her spirit is just wonderful. She made a horrible situation very peacful and after I knew I made the right choice for my pet

Piper needed to be moved up to today. We were going to give her salmon, her favorite food, and a convertible ride but she is not up to either. I wish I could stall but you cannot.