[ossiblue]

I understand your situation completely as I am in the same situation, except for the wife's opinion.

We have a springer spaniel who is not really that old (turned 11 in December) but has been dealt some devastating blows. He always had major allergy issues which he have coped with since he was a puppy. Then, two years ago, he suddenly lost his eyesight--in two weeks he was totally blind. We suspect it was SARDS. Within two months of that, he went completely deaf, and began to become a bit unstable in the hindquarters. Still, he loved his daily walks and his sense of smell is absolutely astounding. About a year later, he simply wouldn't go on his walks and it was confirmed he had arthritis in his hips.

The reason for the long story is so you and others know the background. He is now much like your terrier--sleeps all day, but here is the difference, and here's where my wife and I are on your ultimate question. We have modified our lives a bit to accommodate him. He is given Adequan injections for the arthritis and a very low dose of Tramadol for pain and he is comfortable. He knows his way around the house--we never move furniture or leave doors open--gets up and drinks his water and goes to the door when he needs to eliminate. He knows when strangers enter the house (the scent), he recognizes visitors he knows (he barks and wags his tail), and, most importantly, each day he comes over to me while I'm in bed, puts his chin on the bed and wags his tail. He loves to eat his two meal a day, and loves dog treats. Both my wife and I feel he still is enjoying life, though at a much more limited level than before.

All this being said, we also have decided that when he is unable to "take care of himself"--cannot make it to the door for elimination, or cannot get up and move at will, then the time has come. Yes, it's about the quality of life and, to an outsider, the description of the condition of our dog sounds like he has no quality. But we see he is content, not in pain, is aware of his surroundings, likes to be in our company, looks forward to his meals, and is still mobile. We both feel he will let us know when it is time.

I hope this perspective helps.