I don't know, really. I mean, is it worth keeping a dog alive but so drugged on pain meds that it's barely aware of anything and is essentially unconscious, because otherwise it's in pain? A choice that each person has to make for themselves, I guess. And some owners do choose that, and I can't say they're wrong.

As for getting easy; you're exactly right and I tell people that on a regular basis. When putting away your pet becomes an easy decision, it is time to stop having pets.