[diach]

I am soo sorry for your loss. I had to make the same hard decision last year with my dog, Toby. He was my constant companion for 14 years, and like Merlin, Toby licked my tears while I was trying to decide. To the end he was comforting me,and I could not let him suffer anymore.
The next few weeks will be hard, but in time it will get better.
Take care!