this is what I was trying to say the other day to Stacey and the rest of us that need to make this ultimate decision:

A Pet's Plea

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

That poem always brings a tear to my eye. I honestly believe that allowing a beloved pet to pass away painlessly is the kindest thing we can do. Not the easiest thing by far, but the kindest.

We have decided to hold off with Loki, by the way. She's perked up some. So, we're going to watch her closely, and as long as her good days outnumber the bad...we'll hold off on that last trip.

Thanks Nancy. You know how hard my decision was on me.

It is the hardest thing to give the word and watch a life end.

But it really is the only choice when all thats left is pain and suffering.

In effect what you're doing is taking on your loved ones pain and suffering for them and freeing them from it.

I'll never forget lookling into those eyes in the final moment. Haunting.

I agree - I've done it too many times myself. But to also watch the suffering and then final end - I really don't know which is worse. Other then the thought that they may have lasted more days and you cut them short. Not an easy decision - as we both know. Either way it hurts to the core. Too many tears on any decision, so why do we keep getting pets
Because we LOVE them totally....

And because they love us unconditionally. Thats pretty special.

Euthanasia is definitely the hardest decision to make - but the most compassionate, merciful, and selfless.

Thanks for sharing Nancy.

HUGS!

A few years ago when i had to make the decision to put my doxie down, i had the most amazing vet who was there for me. As i was sobbing uncontrollably i kept saying "what if i am making a mistake?" She told me that her ability to end their suffering was a gift that she did not take lightly and if she thought there was any way that i should wait, she would not let me do it. She was there with me every step of the way, even offering to drive me home when i was so devasted after she walked me to my car. It helped me so much to know that someone i trusted was telling me it was time to end her pain. I was there, holding her head when she injected her. After it was over, the vet told me that Bailey was gone before she even got half of the syringe in her. She told me that Bailey had been hanging on for me, and as soon as i told her it was ok, she let go and passed on. It hurts so much, but as my favorite singer garth Brooks wrote, I could have missed the pain, but i would have missed the dance.