How to deal with a senior animal?

[BrianD]

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!

That sucks. I don't care how big of a man someone may be... your not a true man unless you shed tears. But I know how you feel man... as I was typing that about my cat I started crying and my eyes are still wet. After having animals for so long in your family.... its like a mother, father, brother or sister that you lose. It really sucks but its part of life and just think... when its your time to go. They will be at rainbow bridge to greet you.