Miranda,

I'm so sorry to read about your baby. I had to put my boy down in Dec 07 when he couldn't stand anymore without visible pain, and started to occasionally lose his bowels in the house. He spent his last couple of years on lots of different meds to help with the arthritis, but eventually there were no more meds to add to the mix.

It is always a difficult decision, and my vet said I would know when it was time. Amazingly he was right. Rufus told us when it was time. We could read it in his eyes (crying as I write this).

I miss him terribly, and have such wonderful memories. The euthanasia was so incredibly peaceful. The room had soft light. We lay him down on a beautiful persian rug. We talked to him, he looked up at us seemingly with the knowledge that he was saying goodbye, but with no sadness. He was a rescue dog and ever grateful to us. People always said we were his salvation, but I always responded that he was ours. He deserved to have no more pain, and to run and jump again like in his youth, in the next world.

The vet gave us ample time to say goodbye, and waited for us to give the ready sign. Rufus had his head in my lap when we let him go. He never twitched or jerked or displayed any signs of pain. He simply went to sleep.

Be strong and let her tell you when it is time. As difficult as it is, the experience is incredibly peaceful.

My thoughts are with you.