Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend

Dogs are more often than not credited as being man's best friend and a factor in enjoying a slightly lengthier quality of life. Like every living dogs eventually find an expiration date. The problem with that expiration date is that we the owners have to make that decision. So how exactly do we say goodbye to an old friend?

I recently had to deal with the very difficult decision of putting my dog to sleep. The last few days I could tell she was in some real pain. Hip Dysplasia had affected my dog as well as an enormous loss of muscle mass in her hindquarters. I sat with my wife and son and discussed all the possibilities for our dog. At the end of a lengthy and tear filled discussion we realized that there were no options.

We made a decision to have our dog euthanized and made an appointment with the veterinarian. When the day came our old friend was weaker than ever but still willing to behave in the vet's office. Those last few minutes we were asked if we wanted to remain for the procedure and we answered yes. We witnessed our dog taking her last breaths and leaving for a better life. We took our time and petted her once more and said goodbye. When we walked out we realized we had made the right decision for our dog  as hard as it was. We were with our companion until the end and said goodbye the right way.