Sorry to bring down the mood here. But I need some advice from fellow dog parents who have had a sick/elderly dog and made the difficult decision to let their baby cross over the rainbow bridge.

My baby girl is 13.5 years old and recently became very sick. It was sudden with no warning signs. We did blood work, x-rays, and even an ultrasound - there is no explanation as to why. It was all "unremarkable" as the vet put it. The vet diagnosed her with HGE, but we're a week in and she's not getting better. Perhaps it's taking long due to her age. Or perhaps it's just the end and there's no saving her. No one knows for sure.

Everyone always told me that I'll know when it's time. That she will tell me. But I don't feel like we're there yet. I feel like she still has some life left in her. Plus, I don't actually know what's wrong with her or if it's "fixable". She lived good life, and if it really is her time, I can be at peace with that. I just want to make sure that it IS her time.

To those who have been through this. What was the final straw for you? At what moment did you say "ok, it's time"? How much effort did you put in (healthcare, medicines, vet visits, etc.) before letting go?

EDIT: thank you all who have shared your stories. I know it's hard to share stories like these. I appreciate every single one of you.

My little girl is actually doing OK - a lot better than she was yesterday when I made this post. Her improvement is due to a sudden diet change. The vet put us on a pumpkin & rice diet - and we will introduce a different (prescription) food slowly over each meal. I am inclined to believe that the food she was eating previously might have caused this mystery illness.

She still has lots of life in her. She's energetic, wants to play, go outside, eat milk bones, and even cuddle. It's not her time yet. But if she gets worse and winds up giving me that look you all are talking about... I'll know it's time. I don't want her to suffer. Pumping her with drugs and asking her to hang on for me just wouldn't be fair.