i would never make either of mine suffer just for me to have them longer. That being said, It's not always best to just "put them down". If it is something that can be cured or fixed and your dog can live a happy life I'd be all for it.
i crate mine every day for about 7 hours and they could care less. if i come home early or something they are like what are you doing here? as they nap mostly lol
i just make sure they get plenty of exercise and i don't crate them when i'm at home.
lol i never put anything near my two's crates. they can't even have a bed in there... sigh
before i lived with Josh i coped just fine. and when we were going through a rough spot i pretty much felt like i was alone. I surrounded myself with friends, worked, and did stuff with the dogs. i feel like no matter where life takes me, i've got my Luka and I'll be just fine honestly.