Hi Kelly, I am so sorry to hear you are faced with this tough decision. I also recently had to make a tough choice for my best friend Toro.
I can only say again what others have said, it is one of the most important choices you ever make for your pet. When the bad times outweigh the good, and quality of life is not what it once was, letting go is the best thing you can do for him.
Even just writing this and thinking about it makes me cry still, but I know he was so sad, and not able to be himself - and it sounds like you know the same thing about your boy.

 Quote: kelly lewis

Thanks everyone for your input; much appreciated and eye opening. I'm gateful that there are people who can give advice 'from the outside' so to speak. I will take it all to heart. .... I actually have to print out all your replies so I can lay in bed tonight and read them over and over.

You will find a ton of help in CJ's thread too.

I went through this with a GSD/Dane mix some 25 yrs ago. When he started walking on his knuckles and falling, I let him go.
You have to look at the dog's comfort level. If he's only walking to go outside for a potty break then he's not enjoying life.
It would be unfair to him just to keep him going to satisfy your sentiment.

Kelly,

I will be thinking of you and Apollo. I am sorry you are facing this, but everyone here is right. Don't wait until he's hurting too much. Make good memories and let him go. He's looking to you as his leader and friend to help him move on.
I wish you strength and healing.
I have a bad habit of waiting too long. Then I feel even more guilty. Don't put yourself through that.

Take care and give Apollo a hug for me, please.

Oh Kelly, my heart is aching for you. Your precious, strong, devoted gentleman – it’s so unfair that they have to age so quickly.

 Quote: kelly lewis

He has been my loyal, big sweetheart and stood by my side for over 12 years now, pretecting me with nothing more than his stark beauty and stoic presence.

It’s hard to even consider life without them. Apollo has been your reality for 12 years. What sounds like 12 wonderful years. From that 7 week old little bouncing butterball, the schutzhund work, finding out what his strengths were, the conformation and obedience titles. The long, full life of a protector by your side.

Kelly, there were some very authentic words of wisdom given to me from the remarkably caring folks here. When I questioned the ethics and expressed my difficulty in taking the life of a cherished loved one, they were able to put my torment into perspective at every turn. I now have an entirely new way of looking at this step in the relationship with a spirit that provides unconditional love.

 Quote: kelly lewis

His whole back end sways when he walks and sometimes his back legs just give out and he falls when he is just trying to stand; his back end is atrophied and his back feet are scared and bleed if he walks; He literally chews on his back feet- supposedly from the discomfort???

Their bodies grow old and their life becomes more pain than pleasure. Connie told me that she never regretted acting, perhaps a day or two early, but has regretted putting it off. I feel that, for selfish reasons, I did prolong the inevitable. It was painful for him, horrendous for me to watch and made justifying my actions (inactions) that much harder to come to terms with. I deeply regret this and he suffered because of it. We have the ability to alleviate this for them, with a gift, that I so desperately want to believe, makes them whole again.

 Quote: kelly lewis

Im wondering if I just dont want to hear it...cuz I really dont.

I need for him to die with dignity...but how do I know when that is??

I didn’t want to hear it either. He was my dog and he wasn’t going anywhere until I was good and ready. But I was never going to be ready and nothing can ever prepare you for this loss. But we do need to hear it and we need to be open to their communication and we must listen to them.

There isn’t much dignity in an atrophied rear end. Chewing on scarred and bleeding feet can’t be any fun. Your regal, dignified Apollo is now having to police the fun times rather than participating in them.

Edward was like that too. He wanted things quiet in the end. We were a great team, he always told me when the young ones were getting too rambunctious and with his help, we taught them some wonderful manners. They still look to his empty spot on the porch when things get a little too active. It’s only me they hear now, but I know their memory of his constant reminders is still strong as ever.

If you are like me and many of the good people here, this will be one of the hardest decisions you’ll ever have to make. But please make the right one, for the sake of Apollo.

Kelly
You aren't alone........I'm so sorry to hear about this. I went thru it with my once-in-a-lifetime gsd when he was 10, it was cancer and it still hurts.
I will say that I had determined to let him go before his body failed him because the guy was a warrior and so stoic that he ran on a wrenched shoulder without a peep, among other examples. I knew he would not ever ask me to go........his commitment to me was til death.

So I had to chose. It never feels ok but it was the least i could do to thank him for his selfless service to me and our crew. Just know that this time YOU have to be the tough one..................my heart is with you!

FWIW,kelly, my Zeus had a melanoma that,within 2 weeks turned extremely aggresive.

the best thing i did, FOR HIM, was schedule a PTS ahead of time. his vet agreed there was no good outcome, so when we "went for a ride", Zeus was raring/happy to go (this made it hard for me and my daughter, BTW).

we were both with Zeus to ease him on down that road, to assure him it would be ok, and i think it was, for him (and that was the goal). the hardest part was maintaining our composure for him, but we did, and it can be done.

connie's ever so right: as owners that outlive our companions, one of the BEST gifts we give them is an easy trip to death when it becomes necessary.