When the moment comes...

This post needs to be bumped often, since it will help so many people that have come to that point in  time, especially those doing so for the first time. No truer words can be said to or by a pet lover.  Well done Gareth.

Very beautiful, Gareth. If my pain takes hers away, it's all worth it. I've never had to make such a hard decision in my life.
 

Missing my Sparkle, it's only been 3 days.

Someone posted a link to this thread in another thread, and it is helpful. When Sebastian was hospitalized last week, I had to think about certain "decisions" if he didn't get better. I still have to think about the decisions I'll have to make if he relapses. With three senior boys, I have to learn to deal with it and cope. It is hard. I became the sole decision-maker and caretaker since moving out of my parents' house three years ago. But from what I read, it doesn't matter if you're in this role for 30+ years. It never gets any easier.

Thank you. I really needed to hear this right now.
 

Thank you so very much for this message.  Our beloved Heidi, 14 years old, was diagnosed with a massive tumor on Monday, and we are looking at putting her to rest next week, before her discomfort turns to pain.  Your piece has given us hope and strength and great comfort.  As others have said about their cats, Heidi has given us 9 lifetimes worth of love and comfort.  The very least and last act of love I can offer to her is to relieve her of her suffering body and send her off to the Rainbow Bridge, where I know I will see her again some day.  So thank you again, Gareth -- a thing of beauty here for all of us who must face this painful and loving decision at some point.

I'm glad you found it helpful, and I'm sorry for the pain in your family right now.

Heidi's time may have come, but if you give her peace and freedom from pain then just imagine the love and gratitude in her eyes when you meet her at the bridge. She'll know you suffered so that she didn't have to. 

G

Thank you for the beautiful encouragement.  Your words are Divinely Inspired!  My 6mo feral kitten has been diagnosed with wet FIP and our time has come.  I had chosen this feral rescue to keep with us till the end and now the end is coming so quickly - our time together is soo short, too soon  

    May I have your permission to print your post and share with my veterinarian's office??? I recently saw a dog treated and sent home, being prolonged for the owner's sake - the tragedy in the staff's eyes was heartbreaking - they are there to stop suffering but legally are bound by the owner's wishes.  I cannot help but believe that your words will help at least one more owner "see the light" and summon the courage and love to do the right thing...God Bless!

Be my guest 

Sorry about your kitten

Gareth, your inspired words really helped me after I had to put my 15 year old "Kitty 2" down 3 weeks ago.  I was wondering if it would be alright with you if I print off "When the moment comes" and leave it with the vetrinarian at our animal clinic?  I figure it may help others when they have to make that difficult decision.

Thank you I needed this today. I had to let my Vegas go today. I am terribly sad and miss her already, but refuse to see my beloved friend of twelve years suffer.

Beautiful words Gareth. I lost one of my beautiful boys 10 days ago . The choice was out of my hands. But sometimes we have to make the ultimate sacrifice for them. And out of love, devotion and kindness it must be done. I really think that to end your best friends pain at cost to your heart shows massive love . If only we could keep them forever! X

This post really moved me, I lost a cat last year because she got hit by a car and I would have given anything to just be with her and be the one deciding to end her suffering.  This is what I tell people who have to make the very hard decision of putting down their animal, it is a sad decision, but it is something that you know that you are doing right for the animal that gave so much of itself for you.

I lost my Mylo two weeks ago an would've given anything to be with him. But he is gone now. The agony of cars Is huge. We just have to pray it happened quick. So quick they didn't know. An they know we totally loved them. when they were ours. Xx for Mylo story read angel kitten

After reading your post I am crying so much because every word you said it is so truth! I lost my cat Lily a month ago and I don't think I will ever recover from it. She was just a very special cat and as you said, her eyes always connected with mine saying: you are my mom, you rescued me and I love you for that. 

Gosh, now I remember why I tend to stay away from this forum, it aches my heart just so much, as I cling to my Krissy, my chubby close to 12 year old very special girl. Thinking about how I will possibly get through losing her just tears me up inside.

I had to put down my childhood friend, Poopsie, about a year ago. I still think it was too soon and feel terribly guilty. She was 18 years old and my family and I could tell she wasn't feeling like herself. When we went to get her euthanized, something inside of me told me she wasn't ready to go yet. The way she looked at me with her big eyes led me to believe she was still in there wanting to stay alive. I feel terrible and so guilty. Maybe she could've stayed alive longer. When they gave her the first shot, my heart broke as she just went limp. I felt like I just killed her then. I have three cats of my own now and I'm terrified of making the decision.

well the moment came for my punkin yesterday.he gave me 13 years of love and in return I would not allow him to suffer to long infact a week after I noticed his quality of life had dewindled I made the decision to send him across that bridge.very hard thing to do I cried and cried and cried today same thing crying but when I came across this your words really compforted me so much.thank you for posting this as it is very compforting .hugs

yes he always stared at me with such love in his eyes even other people noticed that bout him.they would say wow that cat really loves you my ex used to say that cat is inlove with you.he is missed so badly

diaz41....so very sorry.....you have done the kindest thing for your kitty-friend. The final act of love.

I know how badly you are hurting. 

It does get easier with time and alot of tears.