[kewilliams]

My Westie used to get ear infections, so she lost most of her hearing but we didn't really notice it too much since she could still see. Well, she was just diagnosed with progressive retinal atrophy and is now almost completely blind. We can put a treat in front of her and she doesn't even know, and we have to put her head in her food dish, so it appears that she cannot smell either.

Air movement seems to be the only thing she notices. Other than all of this, she is a healthy dog. Up until losing her sight she was running around, playing with our other dog all the time, etc. That's what makes this so hard.

She doesn't have much quality of life, she mostly sleeps all day. She loves meal time, and we will lay with her on the couch while we watch TV, but other than that she just sleeps.

I would hate to put her to sleep considering she is healthy. But would that be for the best? I don't know what to do

I know 12 is pretty old, but we were not prepared for this because our last dog lived to be 18 (Dachshund). Any advice or tips?

[CorkyMax]

I can not really tell you what to do. You have to decide--but I will give you some things to think about---It sounds like she is not in any pain--still loves to eat and I have just read that this breed craves companionship and you lay on the couch with her--Is she happy or sad? If she still loves to eat that is usually a sign that the dog is not ready to go? Does she still relish being with you? If you play/cuddle her a lot --She is prob. happy. Just be in tune with her as much as you can--She may give signs when she is not happy with life anymore. When a dog is suffering and in pain and no hope of fixing it--then it would be an easier decision to let it go.

[cigwyllt]

It's such a hard decision to make but I agree with CM - if she is eating well and is aware of/enjoying physical contact with you I would say she has some quality of life. Obviously you are in a position to see when she is losing interest if life. Enjoy her while you can.