I have a 9 year old Chinese Crested dog, who has in the past 6 months, health has deterorated dramatically, mainly through aritheritis. He has now got muscle wasting to his back end, and now cannot walk far, or climb stairs, because of his size I am managing to carry him round alot, but I worry about his quality of life.

I have a terrible guilt whether I am keeping him going for his own sake or for mine and I just cant begin to imagine my life without him, we have been through so much together.

Can anyone give me advice on when and how you try and make a decision to let go, and how to possibly cope with the tremendous void in my life that this will create.

Have you seen a Vet? there are lots of things can be gven to help a dog with arthritis,and even though they have it they still need small walks as you need to keep him going,My wlliam is eleven and he has had various medication but is now on Metacam and its doing him good,also there are homeopathic remedies that you can give your dog,also Magna theraphy collars as well they have small magnets in and they help the arthrtis.
Sadly though the day comes when we need to make a decision for our beloved dogs and that is the FINAL love you can show him,when you know in your heart that his quality of life is gone.
Good luck and best wishes

This is the most awful and at the same time the most important choice you can make for your dog. It is very difficult for someone to tell you when the time is right, I think you will know but the fact you have posted makes me think, that you think the time is near. I alway say if they are not enjoying more that 50% of their time then I should think very carefully if I should be holding on, but that is my decision. If the dog is in pain then I would try to make the decision as soon as I realise I can do no more to improve their life. At the moment I have an old dog with very badly infected feed and I am aware that if the problem can't be cleared up within a reasonable time I will have to make the same decision, who ever heard of loosing a dog with sore feet? But I could not let him go on with the weeks of pain turning into months because I can't bear to loose him. don't supose this is of much help, I've just made myself feel sad. How do you fill the gap? You can't. You can have another puppy and you will be suprised that because you are so busy looking after the new baby you will have no time to feel sad. Jackie H

It is true was Jackie has said, new pups do fill the void.....and how! some people like to get a new pup straight away and others feel they need to give themselves a few months space to grieve and avoid the feeling of too quickly replacing the one that has gone. Only you will know how long you need to wait. I have known people say they are going to wait at least six months out of respect for their lost dog and then after a couple of weeks, can't bear it any longer and go and get a pup. Go with your own feelings. As to your current little dog, you will instinctively know when he cannot go on, visit the vet and see what can be done. Is he still fairly happy, most importantly is he eating? When dogs have had enough they tend to lose interest in their food and as food is a prime source of pleasure in their lives this is a big pointer. If you have to say goodbye, if it were me, I would bring his body home and make a little grave for you to visit, it will bring you comfort and make you smile in years to come. I know because I have my own little grave. Fisrt point of call though, is have a good long talk with the vet. Good luck

Hi, it is sad when our best friends get elderly. If my dog were eating and drinking normally and in fair condition, able to do his business without help and although less active and sleeping more, would seem to be getting enjoyment out of life and your company then I would feel all is well for the time being. Trust your instincts, you will probably know when the right time has come to say goodbye. But do visit your vet and I expect the arthritis can be helped quite a bit.

What a terrible dilemma for you. You face one of the hardest parts of being a dog owner. Talk to your vet. See if any more can be done for the arthritis. Ask yourself if the little dog is still happy. If there is still a good quality of life you are not being selfish. When we faced this we knew when we arrived at the stage when life was just too much of a struggle for our dog and let her go peacefully. Despite all the kind words no one can say anything to make this less painful for you. I wish we could. You have given your dog years of love and affection and no dog can ask for more. Good luck.
Jackie.