Yes, agreed. I read a great article about making these decisions for your pet, and how all your pet knows is how they feel in the moment and that doing a lot to preserve their life is something you really have to consider each step carefully. We actually went to the vet last night and discussed it all, and that our goal is to make him comfortable and safe and content, but not to put him through too much. She was very supportive and reasonable, she said an x-ray was something we could consider if things didn't improve but he'd have to be sedated for it so I want that as a last resort. I'm willing to play with medication and see if anything improves but not to drag anything out and make him miserable by any means.

He is a such a comical dog that to see him unhappy and uncomfortable is not a great place to be. This is him singing me the song of his people. https://i.imgur.com/Xh01sK9.mp4

I'm sorry about your Dane. They don't age well, neither do pugs, so it's so hard. My other mixed breed is only a touch younger but you'd never know it at all, he can do everything and is super enthused about life, can walk for hours, and is determined to fight all the pit bulls despite being 16 pounds. Mixed breeds must be healthier in general.