How Do You Know When It's Time? Options

[Bobbie]

My Trevor is slowly dying from a bunch of neurologic problems. Most of the time his pain is controlled by medication given every 3 hours. But then there are the nights that he and I are up for hours. Trevor is pacing, digging into the carpet, shaking his head and whimpering with pain. I give him many extra doses of pain medication, antihistamines and sedatives and then wait for them to "kick in". This can take up to another half-hour. He does not like to be touched at all during these episodes and, since he's almost deaf, he cannot hear soothing words. So I either sit or lie with him on the floor. When he does, finally, fall asleep, I cover him with his blanket and lie down beside him, covering his paw with my hand. That seems to be comforting to Trevor.
Trevor's neurologist says that Trevor will not die of the neuro problems. It will be a quality of life issue. Oh, great.
My problem is this: with each of my other ##er Spaniels, I knew exactly when it was time. This time I have no idea. I do NOT want Trevor to suffer, but there are times when he is doing just that. And yet, afternoons and evenings are decent times for him. And my heart just breaks when I think of him not being here (with me). Then I feel selfish, then I feel scared, etc. etc. etc.

Is there anyone who might be willing to share any advice they have?

I love Trevor with all my heart and soul. He is a 12 year old rescue dog that we've had to almost 2 years. He is such a good boy, even with all his "issues" and I want only the VERY BEST for him.
Thanks so much!
Trevor's very sad mom

[moon_beam]

Hi, Bobbie, thank you so much for sharing with us how Trevor is doing. Like Peggy I, too, am so sorry that Trevor had a bad night, and totally absolutely agree with you that when Trevor is in high pain that giving him all of his meds at one time is the much better route to take. When the body is in high pain, by the time that the meds are given the effects are longer to kick in, and do not last as long. Clinical studies have been done on sedation and pain management. Sedation does help to relax the body, which allows the pain to ease, which allows the physical body to rest which allows the natural process of relaxation to kick in which then helps improve the quality of life issues. I am so very glad you now have a vet who is responsive to both Trevor's and your needs. This does make taking care of Trevor so much easier.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Trevor with us. I know you are already doing this - - just cherish each moment you have with him, although I also know this time is breaking your heart. And don't hide how you're feelings from your precious boy. Some people think that they have to "be strong" - - and that's okay unless it withholds the truest emotions you are feeling in your heart. You never did this during the "better" times of your earthly journey with your precious Trevor, and now is not the time to start.

Bobbie, please know you and your precious Trevor are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam