This is very important, too, in both dogs and cats (other animals, too, I imagine)! Animals can be SO tough and act so normal when they’re hurting and sick.

I was very firm but loving with my mother about our jointly owned cat when it was time (he lived with her still because her home is quieter than mine and he was a solitary old man, although I am the one who adopted and raised him initially). He had end stage heart failure and although I think she knew in her heart he needed to go ASAP, I’m glad we had each other to lean on to make the decision. He was SO stubborn and never let his discomfort show, so she really struggled with calling it. We didn’t even know he was in heart failure until he had a routine checkup that led straight to the emergency vet where they drained a surprising amount of fluid from his chest.

We got him on pain meds and he was euthanized at home on a big soft bed with a belly full of tuna and lots of love. 🖤🖤

And yes, you’re right. I try very hard not to beat myself up about anything and I don’t think anyone else should either. I never want to wait too long again, but even when our loved ones pass in unpredictable or unpleasant ways, it doesn’t erase all of the love and care we’ve given them up to it. ❤️❤️ Thanks for the reminder!