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

[Bobbie]

Well, tomorrow (4/20) we are going to add one final medication to Trevor's regime. His neurologist at U of Penn wants to try amantadine. This drug is used to treat Parkinson's and M.S. and some tpes of flu. The vet's objective is to restart Trevor's brain's response to pain. He'll take the drug daily for 3 weeks and then be off it for 4-6 months (hopefully). The other med. that he suggested is just too pricey for our budget and may not mke any difference anyway.

Trevor had a pretty good day. We slept in until 9:00 this morning and then Trevor finally got up about an hour later. He only got up once during the night and that was to pee. We made it downstairs VERY carefully. I went shopping for groceries and got back just in time to give him his 1:00 pm meds and then I went to the doctor. Got home around 4:30 and gave Trevor another round of meds. He was really glad to see me. Guess he missed me. Again at 6 pm we had to go to dinner at a friend's house but we were home by 7:30. Trevor was busy watching me do stuff in the kitchen and he seemed comfortable, even through a nasty thunderstorm. Some times it's nice not to be able to hear those boomers.

Trevor was panting, from overeating today, but when we got upstairs, he settled right down and went to sleep. Of course mom was lying the "wrong" way in the bed so Trevor knew where my face was. Right now he's sleeping, under his blanket, in the bedroom, waiting for me to get back in there. So, it has been a good day for us.

Tomorrow it's supposed to be 80 degrees, so we're staying in the air conditioning; the heat is very stressful for Trevor (me, too).

Thank you, everyone, for supporting us and caring so much. A nice way to end the day!

Bless you all!
Bobbie & Trevor