She's a 15 year old German Shepherd x Rottweiler. My mom's boyfriend has had her since she was about eight weeks old. My son's father and I had to take his other elderly dog, Socks, to be put down a few years ago because his legs completely gave out on him. I wasn't around to see how he took it. Now that my son and I are living with he and my mom again, I'm worried about how he'll take losing Baby. And their other dog, Caleb, may go into a depression because she's his buddy. And my son loves that dog, even though she's not too fond of him (she /tolerates/ AJ).

I don't know. I don't see this going over too well. It's better to end her suffering. It's really hard seeing her struggle like this. But he's had her for 15 years.

[edit] Figured I'd tell you all why the decision was made. She can barely walk. Her back legs are stiff. I've noticed she's having a hell of a hard time trying to stand. Her breathing is off now. She's most likely going blind (her eyes are cloudy). All she ever does is lay around. When she is able to get up (more often than not, we have to help her), she's only able to stand/walk for less than five minutes. I rarely see her go eat, unless we toss her some people food, then she's crawling over to get it.

Very sorry to hear this but it sounds like it's for the best. I lost one of my dogs in the fall when we had to put her down due to cancer and it was near impossible. It really sucks. There are few things that suck more than losing a dog. They become part of the family and it's like losing a family member. But when she goes, she will be in a better place and will be okay again.

I also lost a dog, but we only had her for 1 1/2 years. I also had to have my cat put down as well, and another passed away due to illness/old age. They were all part of the family. It isn't easy, and I couldn't imagine losing my best friend of 15 years. My mom said she thinks he's going to fall apart when Baby's gone. =/

Mine was 13 years old when she passed. The only advice I can give is to allow yourself to grieve. Cry when you need to cry, laugh when you need to laugh, and so on. Have him look up Rainbow Bridge. It's a beautiful poem and it has given me hope I will be reunited with all my past dogs when I die. And until then, I know they are at the bridge happy and healthy.

- It's never easy to take that decision, but for her, it may be time to let her go. She's old and sick and has had what sounds like a very very good life. She'll always be remembered as a good girl.