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Pets - how do you know when it's time to let go?
So Meeko is 11 - she has arthritis from past orthopedic surgery on her leg, and severe hip dysplasia and arthritis in her hips. She's been on glucosamine daily for years, and about 2 years ago we started her on pain meds for her hips. She is now taking upwards of 6-8 pills a day to manage her arthritis, pain, and now bladder control. With the weather getting colder she has more bad days than good, and really struggles to stand these days, often leaving a puddle of pee wherever she was laying. She spends 95% of her day sleeping, when we let her out she pees and wants right back in and doesn't enjoy being outside at all anymore. She starts limping if we go for more than a 2-3 minute walk. Often when I wake up at night I hear her downstairs whining.
So WWYD? Ask for another increase in pain meds? Make the decision to put her down? Winters are especially hard on her and we said last winter would probably be her last. I can't see making her suffer through another 
I've never had to make this decision and we are struggling with knowing what is "right". Anyone have advice?
Re: Pets - how do you know when it's time to let go?
I don't have any advice because I haven't personally been through this, although I've seen my parents struggle with what to do in very similar circumstances.
However, I wanted to say good luck with your decision. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. At this point, I don't know that there is a "right" answer. *hugs*
Oh, my heart is breaking for you and Meeko.
Honestly - After everything you've described, if I was going through that, I'd probably make the decision to put her down. I can't stand to see a pet in pain, and it sounds like you've done everything in your power to make her comfortable. The problem is that those methods are just not working anymore. When a pet's quality of life gets to that point where they are not eating, can't control bowels, are whining in pain at night (oh, that one makes me tear up...), etc., to me it seems more merciful to stop that pain.
You said "I can't see making her suffer through another [winter]." I think you have already kind of determined what would be best for Meeko. But that doesn't make it any easier...not at all.
I am sorry. Choosing when to let go is the hardest part of pet ownership (imo). Only you will know when the time is right, listen to your heart. And remind yourself, that helping your pet to pass with love is one of the greatest things you can do for your pet. (((hugs)))
I am so sorry you are facing this difficult decision. My heart goes out to your family and Meeko. I have no advice, though I think Chymes and Mira make excellent points.
Aww...FB, I'm sorry you are going through this. We went through it last year with Ozzie and it was so rough. This sounds odd, but we were lucky in that he was diagnosed with cancer, so it made the decision for us. However, even before he was diasgnosed, he was in rough shape. It was really hard for TH to deal with it and in reality we really should have dealt with it a lot sooner than we did.
Also, this sounds bad too, but I'm glad it happened last year. The girls really didn't "get it" at the time. They just knew he wasn't around. This past summer it clicked with them that he died and they started asking all the questions that I am really glad I didn't have to try to pretend to be strong enough to deal while I was going through my own grief.
It sounds like you've already made your choice. I'm sorry you're at this point. It's got to be hard.
I got Heidi the dog when I was 10, and she lived for 16 years. One night she had a seizure and then a stroke, and was never going to recover. She let us know it was time.
I hope you find clarity and comfort.
Thanks everyone for the kind words and advice - I feel like I'm more ready to let go than DH is, and whenever I bring it up to him he just keeps saying, "I know it's coming, soon".
And I have no idea how to explain to Ben where Meeko went after the fact. That thought didnt even cross my mind. Crap
Sorry to add that to your worries. For us, we simply told the girls that Ozzie wasn't going to be home that night. And Allison put her head on his and Mia brought his his dog bone toy. They asked a few time and we said that Ozzie went somewhere we he could run around and be happy. That was good enough until recently and then they started asking more questions.
GRSP would be a good source for you as Willa had a lot of questions about death a while back. My CW lost several pets a while back. I can ask her what she told her kids. They were a year or two older then Ben.
Ok, I'm going to go home now and cry on the ride home. One of my FB friends put her pet down this morning. this has brought back a lot of memories from last year.
I haven't personally gone through this, either. My housemates did a couple of years ago when their dog was 14. They said they just knew it was time when she couldn't walk anymore. One of their current dogs is 12 and suffers from arthritis as well, he also has recently diagnosed kidney disease and high blood pressure and they're starting to wonder when it will be time, which makes me very sad too, because I'm getting attached to him living there a few days per week.
Can you talk to your vet about this? Might they be able to help coach through factors that might be considered?
I just sent my friend 2 ideas/resources for helping a child deal with pet loss. When it's time, I'll share them with you, too.
Ben will miss his kitty, but he'll be young enough to not have the really complicated questions.
GVSU, if it's the same friend, he actually got the whole day to be treated like a king. I think it's time now or soon.
Hugs to everyone missing a furry friend who has died, and extra hugs to people making tough choices.
I agree. I'm so sorry you're going through this. I also believe that what ever choice is right for you and your family is the right choice.
OK now I'm bawling. No lie. What a tough decision.
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