Agreed; it’s a terrible decision to have to make, but sometimes it has to be done if you really care for your four legged family member.
Late 60’s here, and with the exception of 5 years in the Corps I have had dogs for my entire life.
Loved them all dearly and have lost way to many due to the simple fact that I have outlived them.
Some went just by old age, some by cancer.
Neither way is easy for the human being involved in the decisions that have to be made.
Wish they could all outlive me but that just isn’t going to happen.
Currently have 6 four legged boys and girls, don’t know if I will outlive these guys and girls, but I have made provisions for their welfare after I am gone with trustworthy relatives.
We agonized about putting our guy down for a long, long time. He was really my wife’s dog, so the decision was hers. Our daughter (the vet tech) was very close to him, too, and it was great she was able to give really good advice to my wife. Our guy was almost completely deaf, close to completely blind, and obviously in a lot of pain from arthritis. But he had a sunny disposition and was cheerful to the end. That’s what made it so hard to decide to put him down. But, as they say, he had a great life.
That’s outstanding that you have made provisions for them when you’re gone. Not many people seem do that. It’s always sad when adoption agencies take pets from elderly people who can no longer care for them or afford to care for them.