[KevinTodd]

Such a tough subject.

My little female JRT is 18 1/2 years old and has cataracts, is partially deaf, and is certainly not the rabble-rousing type A she once was.

However, she eats like a horse, goes outside to pee, and when I pick her up and hold her she gives me the same "I love you" look and snuggles close to my chin just as she's always done.

She no longer climbs the stairs, no longer sleeps in the bed with us, no longer jumps on the couch. we take her downstairs to the yard to do her business when she needs to go. She does push out a nugget without seeming to know now and again--but no big deal.

The vet told me this past month that she was in miraculous shape for a dog her age. I felt like I already knew that but it felt good to hear her say it anyway.

As long as my little girl isn't in any pain and is still eating and in generally good heath then I will remain the steward of her existence.

On another note--my 13 y/o male JRT just had 15 teeth extracted and a week later he's like a 5 year-younger animal.

I feel like you'll know when it's time.