Question about Pet Euthanasia

[superpatriotman]

I've had three or four pets 'put down', yet never remained in the room while the pet passed.

Has any DUer been present during this procedure?

I ask because today I am eerily reminded of my good friends, and feel guilty for not staying with them until the end.

[MO_Moderate]

1. I've "put down" many pets

Hard thing to do

[dipsydoodle]

2. I wouldn't be able to handle that.

Not at all.

Last one to go I knew hadn't got long to go but I kept him going for another 8 weeks or so. He died in my arms on a Sunday afternoon.

I miss him.

[superpatriotman]

11. In a loved one's arms

That's the best way to go IMO

[davidpdx]

87. Oh what a cutie

He has a crazed look in his eyes.

[dhill926]

3. Yes....

It's hard, but I think some comfort at least for the pet.

[hrmjustin]

4. Don't feel guilty.

I have been in the room and it was always peaceful. They make it as peacful and calm as possible.

[superpatriotman]

7. I've been present for the first injection

but not the death-bringer.

Did your pets go into convulsions, seizures or distress?

Thanks

-SPM

[hrmjustin]

12. No never. I always made sure the last thing they saw was my face and I never saw any pain at all.

My dog was scared but the doctor was able to calm her down.

When they inject the animal they very very quickly shut down and fall asleep and pass.

Cats and small dogs usually pass within 30 seconds and large dogs within a minute. They are required to weight an animal to get the right amount of drugs.

It is very peaceful. I have done this several times and I often wonder if my passing will be as peaceful.

[Gothmog]

17. No

It was very peaceful. One minute his eyes were open and then they closed.

[bettyellen]

49. with my cats they gave them a valium drip first and let me stay with them until I was ready

which in one case took about a half hour. They let me wrap them in their favorite blankies and hug and pet them a long time.
There was a tiny seizure for one, and their pupils went big till they eyes looked black. I'm glad they were with me, and not a tech.

[Feral Child]

58. Echoing hrmjustin.

Always peaceful. Fully unconscious from the valium and they just drift away with the final shot.

[WhiteTara]

72. It's hard to tell the difference between

the sedative and loosening from the mortal coil. My animals all went to sleep and I told them how much I loved them and petted them until they left.

[Mosby]

5. the vet I go to has a special room

They give the animal a shot that is like a painkiller and muscle relaxer.

After that they bring the pet into the room for a little time with the family and then they administer the stronger stuff right there with the family and vet present.

[superpatriotman]

8. It's the stronger stuff I want to know more about

Have you been present for that part?

[Mosby]

18. Yes, twice

It was very peaceful. I think they use phenobarbital for the second shot, the high dose stops the heart.

[Puglover]

6. I have been with all of my babies when they were put down.

There is no way I could leave.

When my Thomas was put down he had an IV in so I could hold him. When the Dr. gave him the injection he put his paw on my cheek. It was heartbreaking but a moment not to be missed.

[petronius]

9. I have, twice, and both times it was completely peaceful after the sedative

took effect and the pet was asleep. There's no reason to feel guilty about not seeing the final step - what matters is everything else you did to provide a happy life and painless end...

[oldandhappy]

10. I have always stayed, and held them if possible.

Yes, it is hard. Hard either way. No guilt! You and your friends had real love. It is usually quick. They know. I talk to them a lot before the day. We do things the pet has really enjoyed. At the end I hold them and pet them and wait a few minutes, and then flee to the car and my tissues. Smile.

[Gothmog]

13. My middle child and I were present when they administered the drugs

I had to say goodbye to my bearded collie a couple of months ago. They vet assistants carried my dog in on a blanket because he was too weak. There was an IV in the his vein when they brought my dog in. We sat with him for ten or so minutes and then the vet came in and administered the drugs. After a couple of minutes, my dog's eyes closed and a couple of minutes later he stopped breathing. It was very peaceful.

I was hesitant to do this but my middle child wanted to be there. It was a really moving experience and I am glad that I was there. I have the ashes of my dog on the fireplace mantle in a very nice wooden box.

[superpatriotman]

19. Thank you for sharing your story

We keep temples for our friends, too.

[Gothmog]

21. I flew my daughter down from law school to say goodbye

It was important to the family that everyone had a chance to say goodbye.

[PeaceNikki]

39. My son was about 12 when we had to do this.

He was there, looking Sam in the eyes with love and offering comfort as he drew his last breath. It was comforting for my son and we hope Sam as well. I wouldn't have done it any other way.

[TorchTheWitch]

43. I have both of mine too in those lovely wooden boxes

Mine are on the windowsill in my bedroom. I don't think I could stand not having them there even though I mostly forget that they are.

[hlthe2b]

14. Yes.. several times. Please don't confuse what happened with that execution with what happens in pet

euthanasia. Veterinarians own pets too and I can assure you they take ensuring a peaceful, pain-free and quick demise as critically important as you. There are even AVMA protocols as to what constitutes appropriate and acceptable methods by species--based on scientific study-- and the primary drug used for pets is formulated specifically for that purpose. That is not the case for the drug protocol concocted by prison officials across the country. I'd also argue that as a society, there is more impetus to ensure a pain-free end of life for our beloved pets, than there is for convicted murderers. Recent events seem to bear that out.

Performed correctly by trained veterinarians, injection-based euthanasia is a peaceful end of life for our animals. As hard as it is for us, the pet owner (and for the veterinarian and their staff to do), it is a kindness to our beloved pets.

[superpatriotman]

22. I am curious

because the vets told us that it could be less-than-peaceful during the final moments, so we'd end up leaving before the final injection.

Though I admit yesterday's botched execution is what brought it to mind.

[hlthe2b]

34. Not the case when performed correctly.

Those who have witnessed would very likely tell you that THEY would wish to go that way, if it were possible.

[packman]

23. Shame you had to bring the Prison/execution shit up

when the thread is about pets. When we have pets that bury people alive or murder/rape 11 month old girl babies, then maybe I could see what connection you are equating. I for one am glad there is more impetus to ensure a pain-free death for our pets than the slime who take other lives.

Your post pisses me off.

[Erich Bloodaxe BSN]

28. The OP's reply to that comment, just before yours

notes that the botched execution is exactly why he posted the thread. So whether it "pisses you off" or not, the comment was obviously relevant. And, although I don't support the death penalty, if we do have to have it, it should be as painless as possible - our justice system is supposed to be about justice, not revenge. No matter how scummy the person is. Even if they were a war criminal who started a war of aggression that left half a million Iraqi's dead and thousands of Americans as well, for instance.

[hlthe2b]

32. I care enough about my fellow pet owners to not want them to mistakenly believe that to be the case

It was brought up in one of the execution threads earlier. Someone accusing veterinarians of doing essentially the same.

Compassion, sir. Learn some.

[Blue Owl]

15. I didn't for my first cat

And I regret it. Nowadays I will be there right 'til the very end.

Wish I knew then what I know now -- my poor first cat had to put up with a lot of stupid things I used to do as an uneducated pet owner, but he taught me well...

[packman]

16. A hard decision

Been there and had it both ways. It is more clinical and less emotionally draining (but not really that much) to have them bring the pet out after the procedure . And was there when the vet had to do away with another pet, emotionally rips you apart and brings out the tears. BUT, looking back, it was better to be there because they were always there for you - regardless, it's tough.

[atreides1]

20. I did.

Actually my wife and I remained in the room until our little girl was gone.

[HD469]

24. I've always been there.

It's hard, but necessary, at least for me. Telling them I love them as they pass away heals my soul. and (I hope) helps them pass more easily.

[MiniMe]

25. I've stayed

It is a hard thing to do emotionally for me, but I stayed for them. It was something that was right for me, but it is in an individual decision and you have to do what is right for you. You aren't doing the pet any good if you aren't calm and accepting about it.

[leftynyc]

26. I've done both

Been there and not. Can't really say which is better - I was heartbroken both situations but being in there was very visual and unfortunately is the first thing that pops into my mind when thinking of that particular cat. The doesn't happen with the pets I wasn't there for.

[Ligyron]

27. Sure, was there last year for my Lady dog and I assisted.

Vet came to the house (good friend, great vet) administered a sedative, inserted an IV (that was the worst part, her being such a small dog, but she didn't even flinch) injected an anesthetic and she just froze - eyes wide open with a goofy look on her face. He injected another drug, waited, checked heart, breathing, eye test and pronounced her gone. Totally painless for her.

Hope I'm so lucky when the time comes.

[superpatriotman]

33. Thanks for sharing your story

I think a house visit by a vet will be the way to go for the next one (if I'm still around!)

[joeybee12]

29. I've always been with them...

I know it's tough, but I feel better when the last touch and last voice they hear is mine...don't feel guilty, though, I'm sure you gave them good lives, and that's what's important.

[Demit]

30. I was there, with the first one, because I felt it was important to be.

He was old and I thought it was important to be with him to the end. It was peaceful. With the second one, I remembered the first one, feeling the breath go out of his body, and I knew it would be too powerful. I just couldn't do it. I'm crying now to think of it, but I know I just couldn't do it. It was too soon for her to go & I just couldn't be there. Isn't that weird, to have had two different experiences, two different feelings?

[superpatriotman]

36. Two different souls, too

Sorry for your losses. I wish you peace.

[Demit]

50. Thank you.

It hasn't been long enough to be philosophical about it. No matter how much you know that your pets will predecease you, it doesn't help when you lose them. I was thinking about her today & feeling sad, then I walked out to the porch and saw my first hummingbird of the season. Life does go on, and I like the thought of peace. Thanks.

[mike_c]

31. I have never not been present....

I've always held my friends until they died. I think of it as part of my responsibility, the last act on their behalf, witnessing and participating in the end of their lives. I would not give it up, frankly. All have been cats to date, but there are a couple of old dogs in the pipeline, living well for as long as they can.

I don't think you should feel guilty. Do what feels right to you.

[PeaceNikki]

35. Been there for all 3.

[HERVEPA]

37. If it's not too much of a financial burden, consider having a vet come out

and do it at your home. Your animal is spared the trip to the vet and is in familiar surroundings.
Did that with my cat and happy I did. And it should be peaceful. I would not consider not being there, but that's not be. And no idea why (further down in the thread) a vet talked about convulsions. That should not happen.

[Betty88]

79. We have done this, it's the best

If possible, someone has been with all our cats when they passed. They just go to sleep in ur arms.

[TorchTheWitch]

38. been through it twice

Hardest thing I've ever done. But I couldn't stand the idea of them being without me when it happened. I'm glad I was there to be with them to see them on their way and to see for certain how painless and peaceful it was. I don't know if it helped them more or me more or both. It's just what I felt I had to do no matter how hard it was for me.

I understand for other people it's just not something they feel they can do. That's ok. I think no matter what decisions we make in the passing of a beloved pet we're bound to feel guilt about some part of it anyway. Maybe that's just a survivor's guilt kind of thing. All anyone can do is the best they can do, and I figure as long as they do their best whatever that is, it's ok. These end of life decisions are hard and going through them is even harder... like I said, the hardest thing I've ever done.

If it helps, I'll say don't crucify yourself with guilt, but we feel what we feel. And I think all of us are going to feel some guilt over whatever we do or don't do no matter what. Be ok with your guilt maybe is the best advice I can give. If that even makes any sense.

[Cartoonist]

40. Being there

I am glad to see many point out how important it is for the pet to be with someone they love at this time.

Here's an article about a Vet I know who has a lot of heart.

http://www.pacificsun.com/marin/life_in_marin/death-all-dogs-go-to-heaven/article_602cb620-3c12-11e3-9d73-001a4bcf6878.html

[riverwalker]

41. yes

it was very quick, surreal in how fast and peaceful it was, she just stopped breathing. I stroked her and sent love. A 14 yo Golden Retriever, a Bodhisattva, a teacher, my best friend.

[Beaverhausen]

42. I've done it twice. It was very peaceful both times

Yes it is hard but they go in the presence of their loved one. If only we could all go so peacefully.

However, don't feel guilty if you can't be present. Not everyone can deal with it.

[LanternWaste]

44. I stayed. And I say the following insofar as it pertains to me and only me...

I stayed. And I say the following insofar as it pertains to me and only me-- I certainly can't and won't expect anyone else to maintain the same behavior or observances...

I stayed because she was as loyal to me as was possible and gave me so much goofy happiness during her life that I couldn't rationalize to myself not being there. But more than that, I wanted to be with her to allow her as much comfort in passing as was possible. I wanted her to hear my voice soothing her last moments.

And I can't write anymore else I'll start blubbering in the middle of an office (tearing up just thinking about it and this was ten years ago)... however we all deal with situations differently, and I can't say that how I did it is any more right or wrong-- it was simply right for her and for me.

[winter is coming]

45. I've gone several times, with friends having their pets euthanized.

They didn't want to go alone, and since they were close friends, I was close to their pets as well. It's not horrific to witness, IMO, and the vets have always been extremely kind. Basically, they sedate the animal first, so you see them getting drowsier while you pet them (we've always stroked and spoken to the pets while this is happening), and once the pet is asleep the second drug is given. Shortly after that, they simply stop breathing. Usually after that, I take the friend out for a meal (or back to my place) and we reminisce about departed pets.

[unblock]

46. i've done it. hadn't cried like that in 15 years.

i grew up with cats, so this was my first dog. she was dying of lymphoma, and it got to the point where we were doing her a favor by putting her down.

first they gave her something to make her sleep (propofol, i think) and reduce pain (some narcotic, perhaps morphine). all the while she was in my lap and in a private room, and the staff was very quiet and professional and understanding of the difficulty of the situation.

then they gave her something to stop her heart (ketamine, i think). she was already very relaxed and peaceful and breathing very slowly, but this made her go limp even more and stop breathing altogether. the told me "she's gone" and quickly and quietly left me alone with her, saying, "take all the time you need".

i cried like a baby. can't remember the last time i cried from pure emotion. the previous few times i cried as an adult was when i was getting used to triptan drugs, my primary migraine meds (imitrex at the time; i've since switched to zomig). one of the potential side effects is "lacrimation", i.e., crying. i have to say it's really weird crying when you don't "feel like" crying.


anyway, before the procedure, they told me exactly what to expect and asked exactly how i wanted it handled, such as, did i want them to tell me what they were doing as they were doing it, did i even want to be in the room, etc.

it's a gut-wrenching experience, but i had previously put down a cat and really regretted the decision not to be there for the procedure.
i just never sat well with me, the feeling of walking out on her knowing that they were going to put her down.

[haele]

47. It's not something everyone can do.

Just as not everyone can be with a loved one when they pass, or some cannot even go to a funeral or viewing.
If you aren't there, it's not anything to feel guilty about. Out of my family, I'm pretty much the only one who has been able to be there and hold them until they go to sleep. My husband will be there for me, but even he would rather leave as soon as they start to fall asleep. Like any death, euthanasia isn't always calm and clean - sometimes things happen involuntarily after they fall into sleep, and that can be even more distressing than having them just pass, even if you're ready for it.
They're dependent on you for their well-being, and that's where the hurt comes from when you have to let them go - it's understandable that hurt is difficult to handle. You just have to remember most animals don't show distress until they're pretty much on their way to the Bridge (as it were) so when it's time for euthanasia, there really is no other option if you don't want them to continue to suffer either pain or the indignity of becoming more and more helpless and vulnerable (in their mind) to potential danger and predators.
Remember your good friends with joy - that's what they'd want, that you'd remember the good, fun, happy times. They wouldn't want you to continue be hurt by the shock of dealing with their passing - and they wouldn't really understand it.

Haele

[spanone]

48. had to put down my last beloved dog....he literally just 'went to sleep'.

it was good to know there was no suffering or pain involved.

[magical thyme]

51. yes, I have. it was quite peaceful.

Both my cat and my horse lost consciousness as soon as the drugs hit, and died moments thereafter. They quite literally went to sleep.

I have heard of some horse euthanasias not being peaceful. Sometimes it was vicious, cruel owners who, for their own convenience and cheapness, dragged the terrified horses into their graves to be put down. Other times, horses struggle against the drugs. I read that one famous racehorse (Secretariat? can't remember) was lying on his side galloping.

I had Algiers' grave dug after the fact. The excavator and I reviewed the site and he told me where to have his body to allow for him to dig behind it. I visually lined up the spot with a large bolder behind the pasture in the woods. The man I hired buries all the large animals in this rural village, so he had a harness that enabled him to lift Algiers' body slightly and slide it over the ground and down a ramp into the grave. It was so much easier to watch than I had feared.

[madokie]

52. Yes I have

Charley, a pet pig who was severely messed up by a pack of dogs who ganged up on him. I was holding him in my arms as the needle was put in. He went peacefully

20 years later and I still miss my friend Charley the Potbelly Pig.

An explanation on how he got his name. Friends were over when I brought him home as a piglet and I was asked what I was going to name him and our friends 3 year old daughter said name him Charley.
Being a Vietnam Vet and all
Damn this makes me tear up thinking about this, sorry

I always felt that what we were doing there was wrong

[superpatriotman]

56. Poor Charley the Potbelly Pig

At least he had a great friend to be there with him!

[tblue37]

53. I always stay to pet and talk to them. the injection works virtually

instantaneously, so you don't have to watch them suffering or struggling. The vet then let's you stay in the room with the pet for awhile, until you feel more or less under control.

I also always have a close friend along--both for emotional support and to drive, since I am bawling and too upset to handle a car.

[Hoyt]

54. When I last let a cat go who was really sick, but a good friend, I stayed until he was "asleep."

I think they did a two shot deal -- One where he fell asleep, and then the final one.

When he fell asleep with me holding him (it was quite peaceful actually, knowing he was no longer in pain), I asked the vet if there was any chance he'd "wake up." He said "No," so I left to cry on the way home. Glad I stayed, but I think folks handle these things differently.

[Feral Child]

55. I've done it many times.

Always hold them in my arms whilst awaiting the valium to take effect.

Then continue to lay on hands during the final shot. It's hard, sometimes but I consider it a duty.


I've never regretted it.

[Polly Hennessey]

57. Yes.

I have stayed with all of them. It is and always will be the most difficult thing you do. Last April I had to put, Murphy, my golden retriever down. My heart still aches. I talked to him for about 10 minutes and reminded him of all the wonderful times we had together. When the time came, I put my face right in front of his and told him, "I would love him forever." My face was the last thing he ever saw. I also stayed with him for about ten minutes after he died. My other golden, Devon, is now 13 and every day with her is precious. My heart breaks because I know we will be going through the same thing, sooner rather than later. The one happy note in all of this is that after Murphy died, we got Caleigh, another golden. She is a rescue and is five years old. Sweetest girl that ever lived on this earth.

Polly

[SheilaT]

59. I have done it three times, and while it is hard,

I'm very glad I was there each time. Those final few minutes, saying goodbye, while emotional tough, were ultimately healing.

A fourth cat of mine died alone, and I'm so sorry that happened. She was sick, I brought her to the vet who kept her overnight while trying to figure out what was wrong, and when the staff arrived in the morning she was dead in the cage. I absolutely do not blame the vet. Clearly my cat was much sicker than we realized. I just hope she suffered very little.

[a la izquierda]

60. My husband has...

I have never been able to handle it. Hurts too much for me. But my husband held each of our pets as our beloved vet administered the drugs (our vet cried each time).

[Phentex]

61. Stayed with mine...

It was hard. But not for my furbabies. They just became very relaxed and then drifted off.

Mine were in very late stages and I think they were ready to be pain free. We are kinder to animals than we are to humans for sure.

[dbackjon]

62. Alex and I held our last dog's paws as he was put to sleep

[meti57b]

63. Yes, each time I stay with my pooch or kitty. I would not want them to die alone with strangers

Also important that they are given anesthesia, so they are asleep before the final shot.

[KT2000]

64. Have stayed with

but the last time I kept my eyes closed. It did make it easier on me.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

65. I have and would always want to be there but it's so tough I can't fault someone who couldn't do it.

[RebelOne]

66. Yes, I was in the room when my 13-year-old Rottweiler

was sent to doggy heaven. She had bone and liver cancer, which was inoperable. I could not stand to see her in pain any longer and even though it was heartbreaking, I had to take her to that final visit to the vet. I was there when the vet administered the shots. She went peacefully. The pet funeral home owner came to pick her up immediately because I was having her cremated. I have her ashes and so I feel that she is still with me.

[vankuria]

67. I have

my husband and I both stayed with our dog "Roscoe", holding his head, rubbing his ears and talking to him until it was over. It happens very fast and I have to say it's terrifying, not sure I could do it by myself. No regrets but it's very difficult.

I know we will be doing it again someday with our present dog, won't let him go through it alone.

[angstlessk]

68. I had to put to sleep my beloved dog

I held him as the cocktail was administered..and petted him till death...had him cremated and, because he loved riding in cars, put his ashes in my car.
Then cried for weeks

[riderinthestorm]

69. Always. I would never let them be without me at the end.

But I understand its hard for others to do that. My husband hasn't been able to do it for any of our animals.

If it matters to you, make sure you are with a vet who will let you be there til the very end. Ask ahead of time before you have a relationship. Not all vets allow you to be there during euthanasia. Some are prohibited from doing it for insurance purposes (too many clients fall down weeping and injure themselves. One vet even told me he had a client faint. Ended up in the ER with a head wound.)

The only right answer is what is right for you and your pet. Never let anyone make you feel bad about that.

[Jenoch]

70. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was to put down the family cat.

We got the cat when I was 7 years old. My parents moved to another city for my father's new job and they gave the cat to me to take care of. The cat's kidneys were basically shutting down and he was in pain. I took him to the vet and I held him while they injected him. He died in my arms. I was 28 years old and I cried like a baby.

Edit to add:

Not everyone is as emotional about losing a pet.

My SIL had asked her sister to help her bring the family dog to the vet to have him put down. He was 13 and was in rough shape. Before the sister could get there, the dog died on his cedar bed by the front door. My 8 year nephew came home from school, saw the dog and yelled upstairs to his mom "Mom, what's wrong with Zeke, it looks like he's dead!" My dear SIL shouted back, "That's because he is!"

[hobbit709]

71. I've stayed with all of mine when the time came.

I figure it's the least I can do when it's that time.

[truebluegreen]

73. Yes, I've always been present.

I felt it was necessary to be there, for reassurance and comfort. Your friends can sense your emotions though, so if you can only communicate your own distress, don't do it.

[trof]

74. Yep, I stayed with them to the end.

Talked to them and held their paws till they were gone.
It's not easy, by a long shot, but I feel better for having done it.

[MadrasT]

75. Yes, many times.

I was a cat foster mom for years and have had many of my own. It is always hard but I always want to be there with them until they are gone. I feel like I owe it to them to hang in there with them for support no matter what.

It has always been a very peaceful, gentle passing. Much more peaceful than some "natural" deaths I have also witnessed.

[Skittles]

76. it's a very personal choice

you should not feel guilty

[roody]

77. I have been with 5 of them.

I'd rather accompany them to the end. Your pets won't hold it against you.

[Ilsa]

78. Yes. I didn't want her to be alone. nt

[neverforget]

80. On Friday we did this to our dog. We were in a special room with him and were able spend some time

alone with our dog, Sabot, before the vet came in. We all cried as she gave him the shots. It was tough but we were there petting him as he passed.

[Warpy]

81. I insist on keeping the cat in my lap

to help it feel a little safer at the end. The vet finds a vein and sticks a needle into it. That's the only time the pet flinches. Then the drug is injected slowly and the pet goes limp and that's it.

It's not super traumatic but of course I'm a wreck at the end of it. It would be harder if I hadn't said goodbye, though.

Sometimes I think it's harder to lose a companion animal than most people.

[phylny]

82. I have both been in the room holding my dog,

and in February when our second dog died, I brought her home from the vets when it looked like she was going to die, and she died in my arms. Both were very sad, but I was glad to be there. However, some people may feel they're unable to face it, and that's okay.

[LiberalElite]

83. I have several times -

It's a very individual thing though. I would never tell anyone they had to be present too.

[Duppers]

84. yes, I stayed with my baby girl

It was as bad as losing my baby daughter at birth.

[Change has come]

85. We went through this for the first time in February.

We chose to stay in the room with Sammy The Dog. I wouldn't feel guilty. I'm not sure he was aware of anything once he was given the sedative. I'm glad we stayed with him but I'm not sure I will do it again when it's Bear The Dog's time to go.

[laundry_queen]

86. I've done both

With my second dog, I was pretty young (20 or so) and she was still a puppy. She was still groggy from medical tests, in considerable pain and I just couldn't bear to see her that way. So I just left her there. I felt pretty guilty about it ever since, but I was very scared at the time. I wanted to remember her as the sweet loving puppy she was, not the invalid she had become over the course of 48 hours.

My first dog (who outlived aforementioned puppy by 12 years) was so loyal - a one-person dog - I decided I owed it to him to stay right until the end. I held him in my arms while they gave him the injections. He passed peacefully. I was the last thing on earth he saw, the last thing on earth he heard and I'm grateful for that. He closed his eyes like he was going to sleep, the with the second injection, I could feel all the air in his lungs leave, and that was it. My mom's dog (who was my dog's niece) was put to sleep 3 weeks later and she said she had the same experience. It does make me feel more guilty for the puppy that I didn't stay with. I wish I would've.

[davidpdx]

88. I have never had a pet euthanized

But my wife (who has never had cats before) will go nuts if we ever have to do it. She is just so attached them. I'm not sure how I would handle it.