<p>My sympathies. I’ve been through this and it is very hard. Hugs to you and your family.</p>
<p>wis75, we have those moments, too: When we grilled on the deck for the first time, there was no one underfoot. And our liriope (a green perennial used in borders that is famously resistant to dog urine) did not thrive at the beginning of the summer because it was not receiving its usual daily dose from our dog.</p>
<p>Every time I open a bag of carrots or lettuce, I start to take out a handful of lettuce for the guinea pig. But he died a couple of months ago… it is sad not to have him sqeaking for his share.</p>
<p>On the lighter side, my mom brought a plant pedestal to my house last week (that I don’t really want, and don’t have an appropriate plant to place on it). D2 said, “Too bad we didn’t have the guinea pig stuffed, we could have put him on it!”.</p>
<p>I hadn’t responded yet because I know that this is our dogs last summer & I am dreading making the decision- as I know it is going to bring up the pain of my mothers recent death and my brothers decision to turn off her machine IMO too hastily.</p>
<p>The flip side of feeling sorrow, is not feeling anything and if we wrap ourselves in padding then we also block the joy that life brings.</p>
<p>Know that you are not alone and many of us are sharing your loss in absentia.</p>
<p>I’m so sorry.</p>
<p>So so sorry! We went through the same issues last year with our 14 yr. old beloved mutt, and it is still raw. Our vet said “we’d know”. We didn’t. She still went for walks after nearly 3 weeks without eating anything. Then one time, she just looked frightened, and we said that must be it. Another vet warned us that many pet owners hope they will die peacefully at home, and it often doesn’t end that way because of complications or whatever. So we wanted to do the loving thing. and brought her the next day to say goodbye. However, like emaheevul07, it was NOT the peaceful process many had explained. With what energy was left in her, she became a very frightened dog, and acted like I had never seen her act. That is what I remember. I felt like we betrayed her. I so wish she died at home.</p>
<p>No matter what you did or didn’t do, you’ll feel bad. Don’t feel guilty too. It is a hard loss.
You gave her many years of love. She was a very lucky dog!</p>
<p>So sorry for your loss…it’s so painful to lose our dear friends. You did what you thought best…there are no easy paths here. Only those who have pets know how much they are part of the family. </p>
<p>Our dear mutt is getting quite old and we worry about his health. He’s slow and a bit daffy but OK for now. He is absolutely terrified of the vet’s office (bad experience when he was a puppy) so when the times comes, we will be in a bind. Maybe I’ll start looking to see about vets that make home visits…</p>
<p>I, too, am sorry. I still tear up at the thought of our cat and dog we lost a few years ago, both in a short space of time. Still hurts.</p>
<p>I miss my girl when we swim in our pool. She loved that and the newer dog is not about to join us in there. It seems odd that she isn’t bringing us tennis balls to throw in so that she can retrieve them and play.
I guess I would feel guilty no matter how she died , but reading some of the wonderful and compassionate posts here, I do feel a little better knowing that she died in peace and not fear and turmoil.
And also, she really ** was ** my husband’s dog and it was best that the decision was his.</p>
<p>lje, I’m very sorry. Cyberhugs to you and your family.</p>
<p>toneranger - there are vets that do euthanasia in the home. About a month ago, our 15-year old miniature schnauzer developed vestibular syndrome. It was not a fun few days and although the condition itself is not fatal, the not eating/drinking was scary (we finally had to administer fluids under her skin for five days) and I thought this was going to be it. However, she has bounced back, but not 100%; more like 80%.</p>
<p>When all of this was going on, I began to do my research into vets who would come into the home. I work for a hospice agency and made up my mind a long time ago I’d do everything in my power not to take her to the vet’s office to have this done, if possible. I found someone who serves southeastern Wisconsin/northeastern Illinois. I also found out one of my friends used her last fall. But… you can plan and plan and plan, and things have a way of happening despite all your best efforts, so I will try not to be hard on myself if it doesn’t work out how I hope it will. My biggest concern right now is our two-week trip to Hawaii we’re planning next December. That would be the worst case scenario for me… if something happened while we were gone.</p>
<p>lje - our dog has always HATED the water. I can’t even imagine having memories of being in our pool with the dog, but always wish she’d been a water-loving dog.</p>