[bebeyorkie]

Originally Posted by Lee B

My beloved husband of 20 years passed 3 weeks ago today. He died in agony, even with massive doses of narcotics. I prayed that he would go and go quickly, just to ease his pain. There was nothing I could do for him.

In the past, when my beloved furry kids were nearing the end of their lives, I was able to relieve them of the pain and humiliation of fading life. I probably held onto them longer than I should have to maintain their dignity, but I didn't allow them to suffer. I took them to the vet's, wrapped them in their favorite blankets; while the vet was getting things ready, I crooned in their ears and told them what marvelous dogs they had been and how much I was going to miss them, skritched their ears and when life faded from them, the last thing they heard or saw was love from me.

THEN I cried - but not until I knew they couldn't hear me: I didn't want them to be afraid because *I* was upset.

Many vets will make house calls to allow both pet and human to be in warm, loving surroundings at the end. They can then take your pet for cremation, and return him to you in a few days. When they come home, an amazing peace settles over you: the family is intact again.

I couldn't make the decision for my husband that I can make for my pets: I couldn't end his pain, the agony of a death that a good man should not have suffered. I CAN keep my pets from suffering. I will never let my pets suffer when I can ease them gently from this life.

It's not murder; you're not killing him: you're offering the final act of love and compassion by allowing him to pass while he still has some of his dignity left. You get the strength to make the decision from the love you have for the wee beastie, from a love that doesn't want him to suffer, no matter what the cost to your own, personal feelings. It's what's best for him.

Thank You for sharing - I wish I would've read this back in january. It would of helped so much