<p>Everyone else has said it much better than I could–but we all do care very much for you and your beloved Patch, and are all holding you in our hearts and thoughts.</p>
<p>whatever decision you make, I know you and your family have given Patch a long and happy life…
hugs to all of you, and our healing thoughts are with you</p>
<p>Berurah, here is a prayer (from St. Francis I think) that we have had clipped on the refrigerator for a while (I know, odd place for it) - anyway, we like it and have kept it posted for years, so, I thought it might be somewhat comforting:</p>
<p>Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals,
especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to sleep.</p>
<p>We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity,
and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion
and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.</p>
<p>Dear Berurah and family,
I know you’ve made a terribly hard decision for a valued member of your pack. It stinks, and I’m so sorry for you all. I hope you can take some comfort in the great life you’ve offered to Patch up to now. Be strong together.</p>
<p>I am so sorry. You have done absolutely everything you could. {{{{hugs}}}</p>
<p>Oh Berurah, I’m so sorry for you and your family. When we made the decision that it was time to let go of Joe, the kindest thing our vet said when we took Joe in was, “Yes, it’s time.” It’s so easy to second guess. So I know you appreciate your vet’s honesty.</p>
<p>Our vet sent a note later, and I repeat it here for you:</p>
<p>May you find comfort in knowing that the decision you made was both humane and loving. We hope fond memories will surround you.</p>
<p>Oh Berurah, I’m so sorry. You did all you could.</p>
<p>Dear Berurah;</p>
<p>How sad to read about Patch’s deterioration. What it all comes down to is Patch’s quality of life. Patch will be in a better place, romping like the pup he is in his heart.</p>
<p>I was so moved by Barbaro’s owner when she said, “You have to love to grieve”. How simple, yet eloquent. </p>
<p>All our love to you and your family.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry about your dog.</p>
<p>I have a dog as well. I don’t know what I would do if she passed away.</p>
<p>At least you know Patch will be in a better place.</p>
<p>Berurah,</p>
<p>I’m soooo sorry to hear about Patch. Take heart that you’re doing the right thing. Several years ago when it was time for our cat Juniper to ‘go’ I went with him as he was put down. It was unbelievably hard and it still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it, but I’m glad I was there. He went peacefully and was put out of his suffering. I’m grateful for our kind and caring vet who gave his support throughout the decision and the process.
Hugs to you and the family.
andi</p>
<p>Dear berurah,
I am so sorry that your family has been put in this gut-wrenching place. We also had to make this decision after our 17 year old black Labrador “destroyer” mix had a stroke. For a while we did what mkm56’s family did and carried him around and up and down stairs. We finally realized that we could no longer care for him properly and he really had no quality of life anymore and no hope for a meaningful recovery. How could we let a dog who used to climb 8 foot fences and leap over them, and climb up to get to my Godiva chocolate on the top of the refrigerator stay at a point where he could barely stagger around? Nonetheless, it was a horrible decision to have to make. I still remember my H on the floor of our vet’s office on his hands and knees, shaking his head as he stroked our dog. Please know that there are many of us out here who truly understand what you are facing, and know that you will make the right decision for your beloved Patch.</p>
<p>This is really such a hard decision to go through. My heart just goes out to you – like so many other pet lovers I am tearing up as I write this! My much loved Lab (my first child) had spells of good days and bad days with terrible arthritis…I always wondered how I would know when there was no more I could do for him. We’d had a great Thanksgiving weekend…and that Monday he had a stroke, right before his
14th birthday. That’s when I knew it was time. My children were younger–
5th and 6th grades-- but they understood that Luke needed to be in a better place. I drove to the vet, cuddled him at the end. He was ready. Grief is the price you pay for love, but in the end, it is so worth it.</p>
<p>Bummer. Our newest pet is a 10 month old golden retriever, and I have already forgotten what life was like before him. After 13 years they are (almost) as important a part of a family as the kids are. Hang in there and take care.</p>
<p>Will Rogers said it better than I can: “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”</p>
<p>Our family has a tradition. When we lose a pet, we bring out the book “The Tenth Good Thing About Barney” by Judith Viorst. If you don’t have it, go get it. It’s a children’s book.</p>
<p>“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Anatole France</p>
<p>Many hugs to your family. Please take some comfort in knowing that you provided Patch with a lifetime of love.</p>
<p>I have been sitting here, reading your beautiful posts, crying a bit, and meditating on this decision. The comfort that each of you has brought me is indescribable–it’s a heart thang, you know? Each of you, in your own way, has helped to bring me to a place of peace, and for that, I have no words of gratitude nearly appropriate enough. All of you, through your own words or your inspirational offerings of prayers or beautiful and apt quotes have helped me to view this situation in a more enlightened way. THANK YOU, on behalf of my entire family and myself. I was with my oldest D this morning, and to hear her describe how much comfort she took from reading what you had to say last night truly warmed my heart. If I could, I would dearly want to give you all RL hugs for all of your support and comfort over this difficult time.</p>
<p>I thank you all for the both the tears you’ve shared with us, and the smiles you’ve blessed us with as well. momof3sons, I have to tell you that this made me smile and laugh amidst this heartache:
The thought of your sweet (and obviously very smart 
) doggie going after Godiva chocolate really gave my spirit a lift!</p>
<p>We visited with Patchy this morning. Though he ate well when we were there, he is beginning to look frail and shake more, a symptom of the chronic pain that he is in. We stayed with him for a long time, talking to him, petting him, and feeding him. Afterward, we spoke with the vet, who once again expressed his opinion that putting sweet Patchy to sleep was the more humane thing to do.</p>
<p>When our kids get out of school, we will go to the vet’s to see Patch for the last time, and dh and I (and whichever kids wish to) will be with him in his final moments. </p>
<p>Once again, I thank you all so very much…I couldn’t have made it without you.</p>
<p>much love, ~berurah</p>
<p>Beruah,
Sending you comfort, strength and blessings from all of us and Kira, who has taught us all how to love. You have done your job well.
CountingDown
proud mom of a rescue beagle/border</p>
<p>b,
The “Godiva incident” still makes me smile, although I confess I wasn’t smiling when I came home to the box on the floor and empty wrappers scattered about. We figured it was most likely he jumped up onto the countertop and got to the top of the fridge that way. Then again, he had excellent “hangtime” in his younger days…;)</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about Patch and the difficult step you must take. I can imagine how hard this will be for you all emotionally, but ultimately what matters most is what is best for Patch. Going to sleep with his people around him is better for the old fellow than months of deterioration, confusion and pain. It must be very hard for him to be away from home. Sympathetic hugs to you and yours.</p>