I think the hardest of all (for us, the people) is when an animal's spirit is still willing, but their body is failing them. Most of my pets have reached a point where they show me they are ready to go, but I did have one cat that was never ready to give up. His body finally quit on him, but he never said, "I'm done". From what you have said about Poodle, he may be the same. Keeping him confined in an area with rubber backed rugs when you are gone is a good idea , he should be able to get himself back up, at least for now.