That's exactly what happened when my dog, Molly, was ready. She wouldn't eat or drink--she seemed to want to but if she did nothing stayed down--so she quit trying.

Hang in there, Earl. He'll let you know.

Earl, I'm so sorry. I think you're doing the right thing by just being sensitive to any signs. I think most of the time we will know if we really listen.

Hi Earl,

so sorry to hear about your beloved pet. I can totally relate b/c I had a poodle from age 4 to 16 and she was my best friend. like you i think i loved her more than I loved people. and just like your Hunter she was frisky and happy to the end yet she had congestive heart failure and cancer and it was the hardest thing I ever had to do to let her go. there will never be another dog like her (just as there will never be another Hunter). I keep her picture in my room and it is still hard to look at it b/c I still miss her.

Let your self grieve and know that we are here for you when you need a shoulder to cry on, and a friend to listen unconditionally. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers b/c I know how hard this has got to be for you. feel free to come here anytime and share.

Remember Hunter will cross that rainbow bridge and he will no longer be in in any pain. It doesn't make it any easier. :grou phug:

Earl,
Animals are our children. Our dog loves cat food (Friskies - many different flavors) and we feed his dry dog food stirred up with 1/2 wet cat food (our cat gets the rest). Just a thought incase dry hurts his mouth.

Ah, Earl Hard to see a loved one not well.

I'm glad you posted this, because, I was going to say the same thing.....Hunter's not ready, yet....Pat Pat..

Well, Dave, you know that when it's time, you'll do what's right for Hunter. It's good that you purged this now, it will help you have your priorities in order when that time does come. It's cool that there are lots of others here who can back up your friend's advice.

You're going to make it through this. Truly.

i'm sorry your precious dog isn't well.
i agree with all the previous advice.

so just sending you all
God speed.

I am so sorry to read this. I lost two of my loving companions this year to cancer. I also decided that when they will no longer eat it is time, sigh. Sending you cyber hugs and strong vibes for dear Hunter.

Earl-I had to put my dear Luke to sleep in July. The day he stopped eating was when I knew it was time. They are our best friends. My thoughts will be with you.

Sounds like he doesn't care for the different food, first of all. and the heavy panting could be the heat, in part. Being sick, he may not be taking that as well, but in Arizona it's gotta still be hot.

He's your best buddy Earl, and I know he'll find some way to tell you it's time. And I know you'll listen to him.

I would not put my best buddy down until he/she let me know.

I had to do that - 2+ yrs ago, and it still hurts.

My heart breaks for you.

I told my dogs I wouldn't make them suffer, and to let me know when they were ready. Lucky never did. He got up and wagged and *talked* to me with a smile every day until he just laid down and fell asleep, never woke up. He was 15.5.

Sophie let me know though. She'd had a massive seizure and was not all there. She had come back from cancer, a spinal injury, and a major stroke and let me know all those times she was going to be okay. She'd wag and yap at me. After that seizure she just wasn't in there.

I went to the vet's and knew in one look she was not coming back. Her eyes stared blankly. It was the first time her tail stoped wagging in her life.

I always worried whether I would know or not. I knew. It didn't make it easy though.