At some time in many dog owner's lifetime they are faced with the very difficult and painful decision of ending their dog's suffering.  I've been there on numerous occasions.  It will be one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make.  It will also be one of the most loving and kind decisions you will ever have to make.  

If your dog is terminally ill, or suffering incredible pain and there is no light at the end of the tunnel - do not prolong his life just because you cannot bear to say good-bye.  Do not leave  him to suffer.  Give him the sweet release of death.  He would do the same for you.

I know many people will go to great lengths to keep their dog alive. I can understand why - yes, indeed.  With my beloved Brett, I could not bear to say good-bye and instead of euthanising her on the table (after we had done exploratory surgery and found her riddled with cancer), I brought her home.  That was one of most selfish things I've ever done.  I couldn't say good-bye, but she was suffering.  Her incision would not heal; she would not eat; she had no joy in her life - her quality of life was gone.  Within 5 days I did bring her in and cradled her in my arms while she drew her last breath.   I swore I would never make another of my beloved companions suffer because I did not have the courage to let them go.

When to say goodbye?  Is your dog in pain with no relief in sight?  Has he stopped eating?  Has he retreated to a quiet place in the house?  Dogs are very stoic and we often do not think they are in pain.  It's hard to figure out just when to say goodbye.  Talking with a friend or your vet will help - most times you are just too close  to make an objective decision.  Talk to someone you trust. Someone that will tell you what you NEED to hear, not what you WANT to hear.

Don't feel guilty because you have to euthanise your companion. It takes great courage and love to help them end their suffering.  Know that you are doing the right thing.  But be with them - please. Hold them, kiss them, caress them while they are making that final journey.  Don't let them do it by themselves. Their love for you is pure and total - they would never leave you alone in your time of need.

Clip some of their hair. I clip all three colours, so that I always have a physical piece of them forever.  You can wear it in a locket or press it in a memory book.  I put their hairs in a framed picture of them; these pictures are placed in a special spot in our home.

I know this is a very difficult subject.  It is extremely painful and most people do not want to talk about it, or even think about it. I hope that I have helped someone through this difficult time.  Please feel free to email me if you need some help.