putting a pet to sleep;

Question
I have a 13 year old mix breed male, who weigh about 76 lbs. He was on Prednizone for a year, now Etodolac- which is the best. He is getting predizone shot once a month. His appetite was good until the last 2 nights, with eating only 1/2 of his dinner and reg. breakfast. He has a heart murmur, occasionally has 'spells' where he breathes heavy and rapid. They last a couple of minutes then he is fine again. We walk daily and he can do the walk usually, sometimes we do the shorter one and the other night went a good third further then back. To my knowledge, his hip dysplasia is the main concern. He is a shepperd mix and long legged.
I have been through a great deal of personal issues (breast cancer and mastectomies, my husband moving us across country and then a divorce after rejecting me from the cancer), usual stuff with JACK, and wonder if I am prolonging his demise.
I asked a vet a long time ago when you would know when it was time and they said when they became incontinent. My 128 malamute did one am in her sleep and I took her down. My question is the same plus do dogs die at home anymore of old age. i would so prefer that he die in his own surroundings peacefully in his sleep. Yet, I do not want him to suffer. He does seem natural, sleeps alot yet good disposition when awake.
How do I know when it is actually time to take him or have the vet come here? Is there anything I can do at home instead, to avoid the vet coming?(am on disability, the cost alone for my malamute was 185$ in 03 and having little income, it would be difficult to pay a huge bill for something don't want to happen anyway). Thank you so much in taking your time in answering this hard question for me that I am having such difficulty with.

Answer
Blessings to you!  Sounds like your Jack's quality of life is still good.  He is not having many of his breathing spells and is still able to hold food down.  Pets tend to hang on for a long time and not pass away in the night hours.  Putting your pet to sleep is a choice you will have to make 95% of the time.   Just look at the quality of life.  Jack is still eating and seems to be free from pain.  That is still good quality or at least fair.

YOU will know when the time comes to put this little one to sleep.
You are your pet's advocate and you are doing a great job.
There will come a time when you need to decide his Quality of Life.
Right now, things seem stable.
Keep up the good support and love..
That is all you can do is LOVE on this baby.


Best wishes you to too!  Sorry about your Cancer.  You keep yourself healthy so you can care for your long time canine friend.

Thinking of you!

Marie Peppers LPN MA