[Buzz]

My sister in law just went through the exact same scenario - only in their case is was protracted over a two year period. As in your case, wifey was very attached to poor old Geordie and hubby had to deal with the crap (literally) including getting bitten a few times as the old boy became increasingly bad tempered in his deteriorating condition.

It began to cause a serious problem in the relationship and finally came to resolution this past December when Margaret decided to come down here for a couple of weeks to spend my wife's birthday and Christmas with her. Her husband firmly told her that he was not willing to deal with the dog issues while she was away and they tearfully decided to have him put out of his misery. After the initial heartbreak, they felt a sense of relief and they agreed that it would have been better for themselves and old Geordie too if they had been tough enough to make the call long before they actually did.

We have always been a dog loving family (both sides of the family) and I always try to factor in the amimal's suffering and quality of life when these difficult decisions have to be made. They depend on us for everything - including minimizing their suffering when the time for that comes. In return, they reward us with unconditional and unwavering love and devotion regardless of what we do.

Take your wife in your arms, evaluate the situation together and do what's right. Together.