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]

You are amazing, Moon Beam!

Always there with many kind and encouraging words, not only for Trevor and me, but for everyone who needs them! And they are perfect! I continue to thank you from the bottom of my heart and I'm sure Trevor does, too.

Trevor's morning was good. He wasn't sure about the steps at all, but a nice little dogfood ball made that first step a breeze. It actually made me smile when Trevor realized he now had 11 more steps to go down.........But WE made it just fine. I had a lot of errands to run today, so Trevor got to sleep almost all day. In one way that was good for him, but then tonight he was restless and in pain. So, as I do often now, I threw caution to the wind and gave him the Tramadol and antihistamine he wanted. Soon after, I gave him the rest of his night medicines and we're up here on our way to bed. Trevor's neurologist had the right frame of mind, as does his "new" vet: why worry about the "long term" when there probably isn't much of a long term? Kind of like, withholding narcotic pain medication from a dying cancer patient because they "might get addicted"!!?! huh?

Thank you for continuing to remind me to cherish EVERY moment with my boy! Oh! How he is loved!!!!

And so are you, Moon Beam! Have a rest-filled night and a GOOD morning!
Bobbie