My parents got the family dog put down about 2 months ago now, he was about 12 and a springer spaniel. Was hard to take at first, but you just got to think about whether you want the dog in pain and still alive cause it makes you happy, or get the dog put to sleep, where he/she can rest and be pain free. I know which one i would choose everytime, as i wouldnt want to see my dog in pain.