My dog have owned since I was seven, has final stage lymphoma. The vet wouldn't even give her her shots when we had her boarded for a while since we were in the process of moving. We give her a pill that the vet gave us to giver her, permatison(sp?), every day for a week and half a pill every other day after that. When she does not have her pill she is VERY lethargic, can barely walk, arches her back in what we believe is pain, and does not eat or drink. My mom believes we should just let her live until it is her time. I don't like to see her this way. She is a 12 year old tibetan spanial mix. She now has started making snorting/rutting sounds, very similiar to what a boar hog, makes.When would it be time to humanely let her go.

This is a very hard question to answer. To let a beloved pet go or to live on, possibly in pain is something we all agonize about at one time or another. I would say, in my opinion, (and as you know, everyone has an opinion on this and many other subjects) it is time now. I firmly believe that to let a dog "live until it is their time" is something that really shouldn't be done...If you ask most humans, they would rather be "let go" gently than to have to suffer until their body finally lets go. It sounds as though your dog is telling you to let her go. I had a Rotty who developed bone cancer at age seven, and within a month, was in so much pain, we had to let her go...that wasn't an easy decision either, but after the mourning phase, I am sure that we did the right thing. We loved her so very much, she was our baby, and I couldn't bare to allow her to hurt one more day. Remember, it is kinder to let them go gently, than to make them suffer needlessly. If we had this option for humans suffering, I'm sure most would rather go this way, than to be forced to live in a constant state of discomfort and pain. I am so sorry that you have to make this decision, but remember, no matter what you decided, do what is best for the dog, not the people around them. Best wishes.

We suggest that you make a list of five things you consider quality of life issues. Examples would be:

Is able and willing to eat.

Is able to rise and walk without excessive pain.

Is able to control bodily functions, and can urinate/defecate without assistance.

Is interested in interacting with family members, and enjoys contact.

Recognizes family members and seems oriented as to where he/she is.

Is able to lay down and sleep comfortably.

Has no difficulty breathing.

And there are many others. Those were just examples, to get you started in the right direction. Pick five items that you consider important. If/when you cross off three items because they no longer apply, it's time to discuss euthanasia with your vet.

you will know. mine just died about 3 weeks ago from lyphoma. she made those nose sounds for about 1 week. during the night i could hear her struggling to breath. i just knew. you will know. i am so sorry. molly was only 8. she was sweet and i can't believe she is gone. it was so so fast. be kind to your dog. your dog is counting on you to do what's right. and you will. again, i am so so sorry.

We had to euthanize her at 3:00 today. She too was making strange snorting sounds. We decided to end her pain.

you did the right thing. and i am so sorry. my heart breaks for you and your family. my son put my molly's tags on his key ring. she will be in our hearts forever as i am sure your will be. you did the right thing.

Please accept my condolences for your loss. It is truly the best for your friend, you need to believe that. She will always live on in your hearts, remember that. I understand how you feel, and how difficult it was to make the decision, but you made the right one. She will watch over you and your family from heaven now...in peace.