You'll know when it's time. Big dogs tend to just give up... my beloved Boxer (Mittens 3/95-7/08) just stopped eating and went from 60lbs down to 37lbs in a manner of weeks- would only eat treats out of my hand. I prayed nightly for God to take her in her sleep, but we ended up having to take her in. Doc said "I can run $700 worth of test and tell you she is dying, or I can just look at her and tell you she is dying".
Wife couldn't be in the room, I was able to hold her in my arms as she passed. She had done so much for our family it was the least I could do, I don't regret it for a moment. Crumpled up, hugged her and balled like a baby (6'4" 225lb, 38yo man)...
Tears? you bet, but I'm a softy when it comes down to it. Here we are 3years later and the tears are flowing as I type.
All part of it, drink it up and enjoy the time you have together!
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