My older dog (have 2) is 9, going on 10. Average is 12 for his breed. Been with us since he was 6 months old. I can tell that age is catching up with him. Not sure if/how we (including the younger one) will be able to handle the decision. So, hats off to you both for having been able to deal with it and making the correct choice (for them).
Been reading up on a few articles & one of the 'biggest' & 'common' gripe that I read was about the Pet going to sleep alone. So, I plan to request the vet for me to be able to pet him to sleep (something I do with him on weekends - lie in his bed & when he comes, scratch behind his ears, looking into his eyes as he gets drowsy. Can't stay too long as his snore is something else). I just hope I can go through with this - hopefully, my mom's passing prepared me since she was in Hospice care for 10+ days & while it was agonizing (to watch for the 10+days), I knew the right decision was made when she went to sleep and never woke up..