| I remember when a friend of mine had to let go of his dog. Paraphrasing, he said something like "I've been there since almost birth, commanded and controlled every aspect of his life, but who am I to choose this." It's a dreadful responsibility, but it is just that -- a responsibility. When the pet goes to their forever home, this is part of forever. I have personal issues with it being "scheduled", that just tears me up. That at 12pm there will be this life, and 12:01, there won't. But at the same time, it's on us as caretakers to not let the slow decline turn into a spike of severe suffering. Sudden, crushing pain. Struggles breathing, etc. Crisis may well dictate when the time has arrived, some escalation (like not eating). Sometimes its just "We have an opening on Tuesday". This is not what we necessarily signed up for, but it's the job. As the others say, be there, hold them, hold them and let them go. You are their everything. This process is part and parcel to loving them. Fond farewell as they cross the rainbow bridge. Sorry about your cat. |