i am going through the exact same thing. my dog pablo kept falling over the other day. he struggled so hard but couldnt stand up. i had to carry him back into the house. he seems to have recovered though and i think that it might have been a stroke. the look in his eyes was heartwrenching. he's checked out okay since, but he has some pretty bad arthritis in his hips and he cant stand for too long without getting tired.
we thought we were going to have to put his brother "wigglebutt" down recently too, he couldnt even lift himself. but it turned out to be a hard case of diabetes mixed with fatassedness. now he gets a shot in the butt everyday and a special diet. we joke and say that we are now renting time with "lazerus the wonderbutt" at the cost of about 275 a month.
so there is hope.
still, these episodes have made me come to terms with the fact that i am going to have to say goodbye to both of them soon.
they are both just getting old.
i'm probably writing this as much for me as i am for you, but i want you to know that someone out here understands what you are going through and is in the same boat as you are.
its a terrible thought, but i think that you will agree that it's better to have known them for all these years. they are my family as i am sure yours is for you.
heres hoping it goes well today and i hope you will accept a few prayers from me and my old fellas on your best friends behalf.
ripsnort and friend.