My 10-year-old dog was diagnosed with lymphoma back in the summer of 2016 - basically a death sentence. If I remember correctly, in that thread, I was talking about switching my dog to a raw-food diet and whatnot to extend her life. She was really a great dog to me and I would have done anything within reason to extend her life a few more years.
The vet at the time recommended surgery and treatment that would run me into the thousands of dollars. While I had the means, I made the decision to put my dog down barely a month later. That's because I could see her suffering and knew that I would only be buying time - of more suffering. At 10 years, I knew that my dog had lived a full happy life. All those years we spent hiking in the woods, running along the beach and eating steak together. Yes, I would actually put an extra steak on the grill just for my dog and everytime I made turkey or chicken, I'd feed her all the gizzards. She actually knew the smell of gizzards being boiled and she got all excited.
So she had a good dog's life and I did not feel it necessary to extend it artificially through surgeries and medicines in which she would be tired and lethargic most of the day. I knew it was over the day she could no longer get up on her feet without obvious pain. I made the appointment and stood by her side as she received the needle from the vet. Within 30 seconds, she was gone in peaceful eternal slumber. It was the right thing to do and all my memories of her are pleasant - mostly of her bounding through the woods chasing squirrels and happily smelling just about everything she came across.
My sister had a dog that she kept alive for probably three years beyond what was necessary. Unfortunately, all our memories of that dog was him having accidents in the house and constantly yelping in pain as he was carried outside to do his business. The poor dog was almost definitely blind towards the end and perhaps somewhat deaf as well. After he died (in the house) my sister had to throw all her rugs away as they were soiled beyond recovery.
That is not the right way to do it.
You had 15 years with your dog which is rather fortunate compared to most. I know you will do the right thing. I only ask that you be with your dog when the deed is done. It's the right thing to do.
Good luck.
Casey went to the vets this afternoon and we held and petted him as he moved onto Good Dog Heaven.
He was a very good dog.
I have been trying to post pictures of him, unsuccessfully. He was beautiful in his prime.
My son came through like a trooper, the loving man that I have known.
I will be tearing up for days, I suspect.