How do you know when to say goodbye? (pts)

Vikipollard

We waited too long to say goodbye to our beautiful GSD girl. She was 14yrs 2mths 29days when we had to let her go, and it is our biggest regret that we didn't take her two weeks beforehand.

She'd been unsteady on her back legs for some time, and had arthritis, but the vet always said she was healthy enough in herself, and we'd know when the time had arrived. She had a fall whilst I was at work, in the room where the puppy pads were down in case she couldn't wait. It looked like she'd been partying; there was stuff everywhere! I'll spare you the rest.

Looking back, we can see that we kept her with us because we so didn't want to let her go, but that was wrong. Hindsight, even through the tears I'm crying right now, is a wonderful thing.

I feel for you, I really do, and cherish the wonderful memories you have.

Mrs_Z

Another vote here for the vet coming to do a home visit if this is an option available. We opted for this for our cat and it was all very dignified. I took a day off (Friday) from work so I'd have the weekend to recover. The vet was booked and the receptionist phoned us to say that that the vet was on her way even though they were just 5min down the road. The cat was administered a pre-med injection then after about 5min, I just held her in my lap, another injection and she went off peacefully. The whole visit must have taken no more than 15min. It doesn't take away the sadness of good-byes of course, but we were spared the car journey to the vets, waiting rooms, and unfamiliar surroundings to our cat. We also opted for our cat to be cremated so the vet took the body with her and we just collected the ashes about week later.