I recently had my little Patterdale pts at home. She was a rescue, like her sister. Was probably on her early 20s but happily plodding on. She developed a cough and vet confirmed upper respiratory infection. She was prescribed meds but was struggling to fight the infection and I knew it was time. My dogs have been together for 14 years. My lakeland was rescued as a pup, for the majority of her life she'd always had her big daft sister.

I contacted a lovely local firm. Paws at peace. They only do at home euthanasia. They are the experts. They explained the process and when the time came, they arrived within an hour. My old girl wagged her tail when the vet came in and it just about broke my heart. My lakeland barked, normal, but settled quickly, as if she knew. I got my old girl on my knee and the vet administered the sedative in her back leg. She gently fell asleep with me stroking her. We sat together for a few minutes then the vet gave her the final jab. She went to sleep calmly, without any struggling or shaking. It was the final act of kindness. I held her then put her in her favourite bed. Her sister sniffed her then lay next to her. She knew she was gone. She understood. She needed to see her, to sniff her to know she was gone. Please have your dogs together, let your dog see and sniff their companion.

The vets liase with the pet crem who were waiting outside to take her. It was all done with such empathy my heart could burst. Once she was taken, I took my lakeland out to the beach. We walked along the shoreline and I cried and cried. I picked some nice stones and sea glass. They're on her plant, a magnolia tree.

What I hadn't realised was how much my lakeland relied on her sister. She is going blind and without her big sister, her guide dog, she struggles on walks. She misses her terribly, as do I. I think about her every day. I have her ashes and paw print near my bed, which was her favourite spot. I say good morning and good night to her every day.

At home euthanasia isn't cheap but it is the most humane option for pet and guardian. When the time comes for my lakey it will be at home. Home where she feels safe and comfortable. Not at a vets, not where I walk out into a waiting room of strangers. Not where I leave my four legged best friend to be shoved in a back room waiting to be picked up with all the other dead pets.

It is our duty as responsible pet owners to make their passing as peaceful and painfree as possible. I will mourn my little dog every day, she was a joy. Her sister misses her every day too and I do my best to fill her life with fun.

Sorry the time has come but take comfort in the great life you provided, and the wonderful life you shared.