I did post some time ago about my 11yr old border terrier when she lost her sight at the beginning of this year. She also only has about 10% of hearing.  I've tried so hard with her but she's not adapted well. I did take her for walks but she became increasingly nervous outside, so I stopped taking her,she has the garden to mooch about in and seems happy doing that. Since the winter started she sleeps most of the day. She doesn't seem to know where she is in the bungalow. The only good thing she doesn't appear to be in any pain.
I really can't decide if her time has come. One day she seems it has then the next she is bright as a button. I just don't think she has much quality of life. Surely 11yrs old is not that old. I just can't come to the best decision for her.

peanut:> I just can't come to the best decision for her

I am so sorry yourself & little border terrier are having such a hard time...

When very young with my first dog who had reached 10 yrs old and had suffered partial blindness for over a year I was
determined to keep her going at any cost....in hindsight it was more about how I would feel if she were put to sleep not
what was best for her - we call it rainbow bridge time on the site and when quality of life is questioned, it is the kindest
thing to do IMO.

Such a hard decision for any pet owner but hopefully some comfort from freeing her will come in time.  Take Care  xxx

> I've tried so hard with her but she's not adapted well.

Then you have to love her enough to let her go.

peanut, can you work - perhaps via Zoom - with a trainer on some scentwork training? You can even follow the Fenzi nosework training online, I think a new term just started and they have a beginner course.

If you can teach her how to use her nose and have confidence and faith in that, it might really build her ability to navigate and general confidence in life.

A dog doesn't need to be able to see, to do scentwork...

> general confidence in life

Peanut has stated on OP that her little dog looks 'worn out' one day and up the next on top of being semi blind and 11 yrs old...
Really?

I think what you should know is there is no 'right ' time.  do you wait until suffering?  that would be wrong time but trying to get it right is never easy.

Remember dogs do not think about time, they have no comprehension of should live till 12 or 14 - they only know now.  If now is starting to fall into a pattern of not good days frequently then it would be for me time to plan for a good passing.

A good death is all we can hope for, a good death is when the dog is still mostly happy and has not suffered terribly, in your arms not knowing any pain. 
It is never ever easy and is always heart breaking but sometimes you have to think better a week too early then an hour too late.

You do not need to rush but consider your options and whether things will get better or worse.  I would also explore what options your local vets have for the final visit.  With our old dog who had a brain tumour I had a vet out to the house and even with covid some are still doing that.  for us that was the right way , the local practise is carrying it out in the carpark of the practise as they are still not allowing owners inside the practise.  The car park option suits some as their dogs still enjoy a car ride and have their owners at their side till the end

I wish you well and you have my sympathy- this is the worst part of loving your dog.

Oh Peanut I'm so sorry, it's the time that we all dread, and every person has their own take on quality of life. For me, it's not enough to simply not be in pain I want my dogs to still actually enjoy life. So, in my opinion, it's better to let them go a week too early than a day too late. I won't do everything possible to keep my beloved friends alive, I feel strongly that animals have the advantage that we can let them go peacefully when they're no longer enjoying life.

Others feel differently, that life is the most important thing and must be fought for at all costs, neither opinion is wrong, we all make our own choices.

So sorry for your situation - one most of us have to deal with, eventually.    I always go by quality of life -  when their down days outnumber their up days, coupled with whether they are still eating (relevant with my main breed), it's usually time.   And I do take my vet's opinion as if they have anything to offer to keep the elderly dog going for that wee bit longer, they will.   I have to say however, that I usually know when it's time, even if my heart breaks.

Hoggie, don't knock someone's idea when the OP was asking for advice.  You have your opinion, let others have theirs... yes really!

I like the idea of trying scentwork, most dogs seem to love it, and you might find that she perks up a bit if she’s got something fun to do.

I don’t know how well it works, but I heard once that you can put different scented candles (not lit) in different rooms to help blind dogs know where they are in the house. So maybe there’s a vanilla one near her bed, an apple one by the back door, lavender in the kitchen, etc.

91052:> don't knock someone's idea

This is something that is a constant on the site, is a Forum about debate...yes really

I'm sorry to hear, it's always a difficult and painful decision.

The question is not how old but what is the quality of life. Just because someone else's dog lived to 15 doesn't mean that's what you should try to achieve with your dog at all costs nor that loosing a dog at a younger age is a failure.

I had to euthanasian one of my GR at 10, he developed arthritis very badly and had a tumor. Despite the fact it could have been operated on, I decided to say goodbye as I didn't think he'd cope well with new hips and chemo at his age. His sister lived to 14 before getting a  tumor behind her eye. The vet was surprised by how good her movement was and was given the chioce to remove the eye. I went with euthanasian as I left the pain of the op and the adjustment would be too much for an old dog.

With both I agonised over the decision. Even afterwards for a while I felt guilty incase I could have tried, but after grieving I know I made the right decision at the right time and for the right reasons.

Dogs can also develop dementia which could explain why some days she is fine and others she appears lost and confused.

I wish you the best

Just wanted to thank you all for your opinions.
I look at my girl and get this feeling she is not yet ready to go on her final journey.  That is for her not me.  I've  had dogs all my life and had to make this decision before and it's always been decided for the dog and not me. I'm a pensioner and been retired 10yrs & dogs have been a very big part of my life, they always come first with me.
Thanks again.

Maybe looking at 1234 ideas of using scent to build her confidence in simple finding games might be an idea now u have thought further . That interaction with u may well be helpful. Not saying u don't interact with her bow of course
I am pleased people's thoughts have enabled you to decide what u should do atm

peanut, check out this course - at Bronze level it's only about £50 and it started a couple of days ago: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/15183

> Surely 11yrs old is not that old.

That's a very individual thing.  My current oldie was just starting to think about slowing down at 11; I started calling her old at 12 (she's 14 now).  My previous oldie was practically still a puppy at 11 and didn't even start to slow down until she was 14!

But my first dog was absolutely ancient at 11.  He was the same breed as the puppy-11 too, which just goes to show how individual it is.

My girl was finally sent to the bridge :this morning.  I was with her and it was very peaceful.  I would like to thank you all for your help and advice. X

So sorry for your loss. At peace now as you say.

So sorry  xx

I am so sorry, I am glad you could be with her. 
X

I am so sorry ,

peanut:  I'm so sorry to hear your news. Bless you both X . sending you a big hug.  you have been so brave.
She is running free and happy now knowing she will be with you in heart & memory forever.  Take Care xxx

You have my Sympathy.

So very sorry for your loss.

I'm sorry. Awful thing to have to do, and during this time of isolation, even worse.