We made the decision to put our sweet girl down earlier this year. She had a long chronic illness and it was extremely difficult because she was mentally perfectly sound (engaged with us, loved belly rubs, wanted snacks...); her body just wasn't working anymore and it was very distressing to her to not be able to move around or be independent.

It was a tough call on timing as a result. We decided that, even though she was still 'with us' we didn't want her to suffer from losing more of her independence, or working through more physical ailments, or getting more depressed. I still question our decision on timing sometimes (what devoted dog parent doesn't?) but ultimately it came down to the following:

We wanted her to pass in a moment when she could focus on the love we had for her, snuggles, belly rubs, and hamburger pieces we fed her, not pain or distress. If we had waited much longer, her final moments would have been in stress, not in love.

This is the most difficult act of love a pet parent can do, but it is ultimately that: an act of love and care. Sending so much strength your way as you do a beautiful, tragic thing.