Knowing when to let go...

[Silverwind]

My dog Echo turns 15 in September. Winter was really hard on her last year, and she is starting to wind down. I don't know if facing another winter is what is best for her. I love her so much and I don't want her to suffer. She keeps on giving me these long looks that make me feel like the end is near. Is she waiting for me to be ready? I will never be ready to lose her. How will I know when the wait for her to go on her own is taking to long? She has been such a wonderful, special friend to me. I am just feeling so sad right now.