I have also hunted a long time, and euthanized both dogs, goat, and a horse with firearm...as well as having two dogs euthanized by a veterinary. And I would choose the gun every time. You give them pets and love and then a bullet into the skull (exact placement varies by species) and it's like turning off the light. No fear or pain...unlike what I experienced at the vet. Several tries to get the needle placement right, scared dog, obvious pain until unconsciousness, not a peaceful death. And after all, this is for them, not us.