[Northern Boy]

it is never easy losing a family member and that is how I look at it. I don`t consider it a pet but a family member . I had a Golden Lab she is a great dog and although not with me in the flesh anymore she is still with me in spirit. mine developed cancer melanoma inside her mouth at a young age 3 yrs I took her in and the vet though i may have a year or two at best with her . She lasted another 11 years before it reemerged only this time she didn`t have the strength to go under the knife again she too at times displayed thay spark and though reluctant to do it I put myself in her position and thought it would be best to assist in relieving her pain and suffering so on a Friday after Christmas holidays we the rest of the family took her to the vet and I spent several minutes alone with her and thanked her for all the years we shared together and for being a loyal companion to me . I told her I loved her and that we would meet again someday and stay together. then they came in and administered the shot and left I stayed with her right till the end.

So i guess what I`m trying to say is if she has given you the best years of her life is it selfish of you to have prolong the pain and suffering because you may not want to let go . If she is not suffering then its OK but if she goes off in the house to be alone when she has always hung around then you must be prepared to let go as this is the sign they want to pass on and take the next step in thier lives . It not easy and tough to let go and thru the pain you may never want another dog but trust me they make wonderful healers of the soul