I’m really sad for you.
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I’m sorry. I dread when my animals get the far away gaze and start to lose interest in food. I know it’s small (or no) comfort, but to be able to give our beloved animals a loving, helping hand to the next universe is such a gift. I wish I knew that would be there for me, when I get to that place.
Sending you all the brightest light as you make decisions …
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Some years back I had a senior TB (26). He had issues for a couple years - cervical arthritis and a wonky heart. over the course of a couple months he dropped some weight, looked a little less steady neurologically but the thing i noticed most was “he’s there but not there”. Less interested in engagement, even for treats. Broke my heart I wasn’t quite there mentally. Shortly thereafter he had ventral edema, vet came and said his heart sounded like a sneaker in the dryer. It was time.
It sucks seeing this and reaching the decision but it is the price we pay for keeping them in their old age. It does hurt - a lot. But know that many here are virtually holding your hand or giving you a hug or sharing your grief. Take the last few days to love on him and know you are doing the right thing.
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When they tell us it is time, the kindest thing we can do is listen and accept. I tell my daughter that when it becomes we don’t want to be sad, so we are keeping the animal around for us and not for them, then it is time. My heart breaks for you, but ty for listening to your guy, putting him first, and doing so much for him. We will all be here to listen and support you no matter what decision you make. The biggest of mental hugs. 
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Thanks all. I appreciate the kind words and support. He’s been with be about…17 (!) years now. My longest relationship. So this is a tough one and something I’ve been dreading for a long time. I almost lost him 3 years ago when I lost my other gelding (he lost the will to live) but bounced back so these 3 years have been borrowed time.
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I’m so sorry - you’ve been through hell and back with him, and I was hoping it was solved.
But once they lose interest and start to disengage, it’s time. They know it. It’s just so much harder for us to accept it.
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Just sending hugs and support to you. We’ve all been there, but it never gets any easier, even though it’s a kindness.
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I said goodbye today. It’s funny, he had several really good days after probably 12-15 terrible days. But, even though I am sad, I really just feel relief. I don’t have to hold my breath in the morning that he will be down and can’t get up. Or he’ll have fallen in the field. Or his heart will have given out. I just can’t explain this feeling of relief.
He went fast. Gently, but very fast. He was ready. His body was tired. His legs have been shaking/buckling on him as of late so, it was time. And he proved it. Not too late. Just time.
Rest easy old man.
My remaining ottb is having a rough go of it. We sedated him beforehand because he was already upset. But, I did walk him up after and he sniffed his friend before grazing. My mini watched the entire thing and had no interest in sniffing. After, my OTTB screamed for a while (no running, he’s just a screamer) but it’s down to once an hour or so. We’ll see how he does when I bring the boys in tonight.
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So sorry
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Just read this thread for the 1st time.
My deepest condolences
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I think most of us know it, so no need to explain 
Big hugs. And, hugs for the days to come, because even though you’re relieved, I know the coming “firsts” will still be hard.
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I’m so sorry.
((((Hugs)))))
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The hugests of hugs, I am so sorry and I know the relief feeling, it is ok to feel that way, I will say it again IT IS OK!! Most of us have been there as well, that is usually one of the first signs that it is time, when that stress starts. You did not only the right thing but the blessedly gentle and humane thing for your guy. He is out running on endless lush pastures with all the ones we have said goodbye to over the yrs, tears and hugs tonight for you op.
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Sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest thing to do. I’m sorry for your loss.
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My seniors seem to enjoy Triple Crown Senior Gold …for added fat I add Triple Crown Naturals Golden Ground Flax …there’s other products like Tribute K Finish or Buckeye Ultimate Finish …or oils …I like giving my old man Comega Supreme with hemp oil , Mad Barn W3 Oil, Total Equine Gold
Someone else said it best… we take away their pain and make it ours, it’s our oath. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m so glad your friend had a peaceful and dignified ending. I hope we can all be so fortunate. Hugs.
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