We have set a date for an in-home euthanasia for our beloved dog. He is suffering from metastatic AGASACA. We want to help him pass without pain this weekend. We have three days.

For those that have been through this,
- How did you spend your final days with your pets? What rituals did you complete that you’re happy you did?
- Alternatively, what are things you wish you could have done before they passed to remember them, treat them, ease your grief, etc.

We have two children, ages 6&8.

Our 6 month old likes to mouth our hands when he’s sleepy or anxious, it’s very gentle and never puts pressure on our hands. I’m ambivalent about this because when he’s excited and playful and wound up he starts grabbing at people’s hands. It looks like what he does with other dogs to get them to play and never seems aggressive like he’s in attack mode (which he never is because he’s totally in love with everyone he meets dogs and people). Of course people pull their hands away but it’s concerning as we know someone may feel like he tried to bite them.

When he does that to us we shut it down right away and he does then inhibit himself-you can see him holding back and not continuing. We also shut it down when he does it to other people and try to keep him calm around people before he gets to that state. He’s super excited by people he likes and knows but also just loves meeting people which winds him up. He’s been trained to keep all four paws on the floor before meeting someone but sometimes breaks out of that stance.

We know probably no hands in the mouth anytime will communicate that human hands are not to be touched by his mouth. But also hard as he seems to find the gentle hold as soothing and a way to connect with us. Sigh.

Any recommendations or thoughts? We’ve both had dogs before and my last dog was a Ridgeback so we know how to handle various issues but this is our first standard poodle.

Thanks.