Now or Later

We have a big dilemna brewing in our house.

When my girls, Kalie (19) and Ashley (17), were just 3 & 4 years old, husband #1 brought home a postcard looking puppy. A purebred yellow lab that could melt your heart with just one glance. He is the sweetest dog that ever lived (those of you with the sweetest dogs that ever lived in your house know what I mean!). He is so sweet that everyday while I was pregnant with Austin I would pray, "Dear Lord, Let this child be content enough to sit on the couch and play with a box and be as sweet as my dog!" :-) I'm happy to say that Austin is that, and sooooooooo much more! Thank you, Jesus!

Anyway, Bo, our yellow lab, is now 14. He has the heart of a 5 year old, but the body of a 20 year old (dog, that is). He is now having a few accidents in the house, because something in his lyrnax is paralyzed, he tends to choke on mucas throughout the night, can't walk quite as well, but still is the sweetest dog that ever lived.

So, the dilemna. When do you put a dog down. This is the only dog I have ever had. He soaked up all my tears with his yellow coat while I was going through a difficult divorce. He gave my girls too many rides to count on his back. Austin laughs and is amused by him everyday. But..... I know he is suffering when he is choking throughout the night. I know his legs hurt, even with pain medication. And I really don't want to have to carry him to the doctors when he is dying in my arms.

When is it the humane time to put a dog down?