[Ringo1]

As pet owners, most of us have been in your shoes or will be one day. As responsible pet owners, this is a decision we all must face at one time or another.

When my beloved Casper was put to sleep, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Maybe even harder than watching my Mother die of cancer - because at least I didn't have the feeling that 'I killed her". That is the feeling I had for some time when I made the decision for Casper.

I went into a deep depression early on. I finally called my Vet's office and spoke to my friend there. She told me that Casper's trusted Vet would never have put him down if he felt it was not time or not the right thing to do. She told me that the last time he had boarded there - they all felt that I was holding onto him for longer than I should have - considering the very poor quality of his life.

So, they helped me ~ as did time.

I hope that you have someone you can talk to about your grief and sorrow. Too many people dimiss it when it is 'just a dog'. Luckily, I had my cousin who knew what I was feeling.

Now, when I think of Casper - I think of the good times we shared, all the walks in the woods, riding in the car, his funny little ways.

I hope that, in time, your heart will not be quite so heavy; knowing that you performed a final act of kindness for your beloved Cosmo. You made a very hard decision but that decision came from love - you did not want him to suffer.

Peace be with you today and in the days to come.