My Dog

We have had a great dog for 14 years, nearing 15 rapidly. I found him at a shelter in Ohio when he was roughly 10 months old. He couldn't walk on a leash, was filthy, and had terrible worms. Within 4 months he had passed obedience training with flying colors, was beautiful, healthy and continued with his very submissive, gentle way. Back when we took in Jake, I was young. We didn't have children, some grandparents were still living, and my mother in law was in good health. There were so many years ahead of me and there were my yet-to-be-born children to look forward to.

Now here we are, with Jakey needing many pills each AM and PM to keep his body going. We've started 3 new medications today, hoping to get his pulse under control and manage his extreme arthritis pain. He takes 8 pills a day...

How do you know when it's time to say goodbye to a faithful friend? How do you process the guilt of not walking him as much as he wanted when young children came to occupy so much time? How do you look at the weakening body and determine what he wants?

I've been told the last thing you can do 'for' your pet is put him down at the right time. I'm finding it to be a daunting task I want God to make for us.

Our beloved first dog watching our oldest learn to ride a bike