I think it's time for Lily

phoenix I do unfortunatly know what you are going through we where lucky that Barney died quietly and peacefully in his bed but when we look back we can see how he deteriated slowly during his last week and we knew it was only a matter of time,but any discomfort to him would have had Mr G at the vets and have him put to sleep.Take care it's a very sad time.

phoenix, it's heart-rending, isn't it? By the time our wee cat, Lucky had to be put to sleep, he had deteriorated quite rapidly during the days he was being cared for at the vet's. Before I took him in, I sat on the floor next to him and he looked into my eyes as if he was telling me something. On the day that the vet told me that his treatment wasn't working, I went along and held him while the deed was done. He'd come and snuggled against me as soon as he was brought into the room. Our animals love us just as much as we love them. I think you know what you have to do, phoenix. xx

Thank you all, and special thoughts to Aka and family.

My heart goes out to all those who are faced with such a decision. I know just how hard it is to let go. We had a cat called Hamish. I held him close to me as he was put to sleep by the vet. I thought at the time that my heart was about to break. Even as I type this message, some fifteen years later, the tears are falling. Loving thoughts to everyone.

At the age of 17, I had to be the 'adult' who talked my Dad into taking our beloved, but very sick, boxer for her final visit to the vet. I still feel tearful when I remember that day - the worst Hogmanay of my life. Many years later, my lovely black cat, developed a tumour and I stroked his head and he purred as the needle went it. Only a few months later, I had to do the same for my sweet natured, blind ginger cat, Sandy. I hated doing it, but have never regretted it. Love to you and Lily, phoenix.

anno Yes, I didn't regret making the decision to part with Hamish either. He couldn't tell us how poorly he was. We just knew when the time was right.

I am so sorry for everyone having to go through this awful time and having to go through this decision. I am so lucky that with my pets they all took that decision away from me and chose the moments themselves. For that I am so thankful because I really would have found it so hard and I totally understand how Phoenix must be feeling. I know we know what we "should" do but making that choice is just heart breaking. Love and best wishes Phoenix. xx.

soop I feel slightly uneasy when you mention 'parting with Hamish'. It's my son's name!

We never spend money on our pets for expensive toys, coats, etc- but I'd always choose to have the vet come to our house- so we can say good bye where they feel comfortable and not have all the stress of going to the vet's. Our elderly dog cannot get into the car anyway now- so when the time comes it will be the only choice. I realise it might be too expensive for some- but for me it is the best money you can spend for a loved animal, if at all possible.

A few years ago I was going to have my dog put down after a b/t and arranged with my vet to come out to do it. I then decided to have a second opinion and the second vet said she just had hepatitis and started a course of antibiotics. Imagine how awful I felt. Until a couple of weeks later, when it was obvious the first vet was right..and the second vet refused to come to my house to put her to sleep, so I had to drive her to the other side of town to see him. It was all down to two vets interpreting the b/t in different ways .

anno Oh dear! I'm so sorry. We called our cat Hamish McTavish Cheeky-Boy.

granjura and Tegan Whenever some well meaning person says...but it's only a cat/dog, I realise that we are not all made the same way. Rory, the retired entire from Kintyre is a loved member of our family. He came into our home from the wild, and ever since he has enhanced our lives.

So true Soop...

However I personally feel that is is much better to sprend money, if at all possible- on getting the vet to come to the dog's comfortable home- rather than spend such on individual cremation, cemetary, etc. (mind you, I feel the same about people- love them before- what happens after is irrelevant to me).

Thinking of you hugs to all involved.

It's done. It was the right thing to do, although at first even the vet seemed unsure, then she saw how Lily was walking (her back legs had got quite weak).

Thankfully it was peaceful

You did the right thing.

phoenix I am so sorry but in a strange way you are probably relieved. We had an SOS from our daughter during the autumn early one morning and I helped her take her 17 year old Lab to the vet it was heart breaking, but like you my daughter had been trying to make the decision for weeks - in the event Gemma decided for her as she simply stopped drinking and eating. My daughter had done a lot of grieving before and said that a huge weight had been lifted

You have done the kindest thing Phoenix

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

phoenix

It's a horrible thing to have to do but the right thing.

((((hugs)))

Lily is now at peace. The other cats will know what has happened. You did the right thing .

Thank you, having a little sniffle and a glass of wine, rare treat lately.

Not sure how Mr P will feel on being asked to go digging when he gets in.

Just fed the chaps, (we have cat biscuits available all the time, tinned food at 7.30am & 5.30(ish) pm, did feel odd just putting down two bowls

It has been a difficult day in more ways than one, you deserve a little something.

Sorry, Phoenix. It's that decision we take out of love for our companions, but never easy.