Old Buster was a loyal friend and yesterday

[NanceGreggs]

9. It is so hard to explain ...

... to those who have not experienced it, just how hard it is to make a life-and-death decision about a beloved pet.

I had to make that decision about my dog, Zen, back in January. He was very much my late husband's loyal companion, and when Jeff (JeffR here on DU) was dying, he made me promise that I would look after Zen just as he did.

After Jeff passed, Zen never let me out of his sight. I think he was aware that he'd already lost someone, and was determined that he'd not lose another on his watch.

When Zen got to the point when he couldn't walk, couldn't eat, I knew it was time to let go.

My daughter, trained as a vet assistant, took him to be euthanized. She asked if I wanted to come-with. I said no - because I knew that halfway to the vet clinic, I would insist that we turn around and take him home - surely he'd be back to his old self if we just persevered.

I think the problem lies in the fact that we can tell our human loved ones that we truly love them, and they understand the words we speak. But we always wonder if our beloved pets understand the words we are trying to convey in their last moments.

My last words to Zen were that he needn't be afraid - because Jeff would be there to greet him on the other side.