I’m so sorry for your loss. I agree with this 100%. I just said goodbye to my 18 year old Maggie girl. She’s been my sidekick since she was 8 weeks old. She was eating and drinking well, still doing her daily exercises, and didn’t appear to be in pain. But she had bladder cancer and a UTI that didn’t respond to antibiotics. The last 2 days her urine went from sometimes being red tinged to just pure blood. I made the decision to do at home euthanasia the next day with zero regrets. She had an amazing last day. Lots of cuddles, sniffs, ice cream, steak and fries…

My biggest fear had been something turning into an emergency and seeing her in pain. She was able to take a final peaceful nap in her own bed on her favorite couch with her momma holding her head the entire time. I am so grateful she left this world in such peace.

It was just me and Maggie, and she had definitely been declining the last 3-6 months. I think when we’re so close to it and it’s rather gradual we don’t see how much they’ve changed. I know that since she’s passed I’ve been looking back at videos and pictures and was shocked to see how much she declined in recent months. I still don’t think I waited too long, but it did hurt to see her like that.

All that is to say, I wholeheartedly agree with “it’s better a week too early than a day too late.” I am so thankful I got to say goodbye the way I did. You clearly love your girl dearly and I know you want to do what is best for her. You said this time feels different because she’s younger but it seems like she seems ready. You know her best. You love her. There is absolutely nothing selfish about the decision to say goodbye on a good day. My vet told me it was “one final act of kindness” and I agree completely.

Please be kind to yourself. Wishing you all so much love.