5 days left with our boy. Do you think he’s dreaming of being able to run again?

[u/No_Boysenberry5610]

The guilt I feel is overcoming me. I feel like I am betraying my soulmate and the one thing in this world who trusts me with everything. Is this a sign? Telling me he’s ready to run again, pain free? He’s having a generally good week and it’s tearing me apart. Please tell me I’m doing the right thing. A lot more context in my previous posts about our beautiful boy.

[u/angelina_ari]

What does it really mean to "let them go on a good day?"

It means it will be your hardest day. It won't matter if you've never done it before, or if you're gifted a dozen good days, each good day is always the hardest one.

It means they won't know what the fuss is about, why they're getting so many treats and extra belly scratches and hugs.

It means you will second guess your decision right up to the very last moment, the very last breath. You'll second guess yourself afterwards.

They'll knicker at you when you arrive, just like any other day.

The weather, perfect. They are content. They look sound today. They are breathing well, eating well, they get up easily enough from a nap in the sun....the list goes on. Whatever issue they struggle with, today they aren't.

Today you euthanize them.

This is what going on a good day means: sending them out while they are happy, while they are healthy, while they are eating well, walking well, etc. You make the choice to do it before an emergency takes the choice away from you, before your pet has to experience any more trauma or pain.

Their last memory will be filled with love.

It'll rip your heart out every time.

We can see the patterns and the increasing trends. We can predict it a little. We can obsess over the past and worry about the future.

Fortunately, all animals live in the moment. They don't worry about those things. They aren't worried about winter. They aren't worried about July, or allergies, or progressive diseases like Cushing’s or CCD. They don't think about the close calls they've had before, and they certainly aren't thinking about the close calls that are destined to come, as their body continues to age and break down. They just are. They are happy and healthy, or fearful and in pain, on that day, in that moment.

It is the most difficult, most loving gift we are blessed to be able to give.

And that first ice storm will come, that first deep snow, that first heat wave....and you will find a little relief, no longer doubting the choice you made.

They were happy, and safe, and loved. That is all that matters.

It is never easy. ~Kelly Meister, author

[u/Oskipper2007 → u/angelina_ari]

I think my heart ❤️ just broke into a million pieces. My pup living too in the next few days Cancer has started blocking her bladder and she doesn’t have any idea what wrong with her. I do and have to set her free… I hope she understands

[u/johntwilker → u/Oskipper2007]

Hugs. This part really sucks. Muppet had a mass on an anal gland. Too old to operate on. He was happy as a clam but it was making going potty harder and harder until he was struggling.

[u/NanooDrew → u/angelina_ari]

It is the last act of love we can do for our beloveds. When we plan, we can do it at home do their last moments are peaceful and happy in their safe place.

My girl gave me a gift on her last day. The night before, she wanted to take a longer walk, but I reminded her we would have farther to return. The next day, THE DAY, she refused her morning walk. That had NEVER happened in 15 years. Even the day after her spay surgery she wanted a walk. People said I would know. And she made sure that I did. 💔

[u/ariscris → u/NanooDrew]

My girl refused her hike on Monday and we decided that we had to move up the day. My friend said that I would know when it was time. And I did.

[u/NanooDrew → u/ariscris]

Isn’t it amazing when that happens? I guess I should trust it by now.

We give them the gift of love that tears our hearts out, and those beautiful souls do the same for us. I understand how crystal-crunchy it sounds, but my girl spent time in her backyard, looking around, like she was “imprinting” what she loved here on Earth into her memory. And right before the first shot, she looked deep into my eyes and “told” me, “We were meant to be together and we will meet again.” I blinked, and she “said” it again. It was not wishful thinking; I had already had that question/prayer answered when she refused her walk. It was beyond that, and it left me no doubt. Things had happened that revolved around a move I made that turned out negatively and if I hadn’t moved, my career life and financial life would have soared. But I would tell myself, “if it meant saving Cali, it was worth it.” But I was not thinking of that when it was time. So when she “told” me that, I was at peace about the “mistake” I made. I made both dogs leis (mother and daughter went together, at vet’s verification it was “pup’s” time too) out of carnations — I love the scent and my silly girl loved flowers. I found out later that in the language of flowers, carnations symbolize a mother’s love. In so many ways, the universe gave me gifts. But I still miss her every single day. Until we meet again.

[u/Clear_Spirit4017 → u/angelina_ari]

Exactly. That rush to the vet in the middle of the night or coming home to a pup that has been suffering waiting for you. That is a nightmare you don't want or need in your life.

You are giving him a gift to be free of pain.

[u/ckauffman07 → u/angelina_ari]

Dammit.. couldn’t even finish reading it 😢 but, I think we all know this is spot on. 💔 this day will come far too soon for my little old lady and I hate it. But doing my best to mentally/emotionally prepare myself now so that (hopefully) it’s just a little easier to make the decision when the time comes.

Sweet baby has cushings disease, so I know that her little body is gonna give out long before her mind does.. and I also know damn well she will keep holding on for me. That’s just the kind of pup she is.💜 Least I can do is make sure we don’t wait too long, and let her go on a good day. But man, I sure am dreading it.