Victoria
I love that picture of your husband and Goose. Goose is truly a beautiful boy. I understand you don't have questions of your vet. That is really when I know that is the last thing I do before a decision..because if there is anything hopeful I haven't thought of..I know the vet would....even though by that time I know it is time.
All of this is bad enough emotionally but then we will have the pain of separation...even when we are doing it for them and giving them peace so they don't have to struggle to be with us. And as you know, that pain is the truly sharp, sharp, hurting one that we can't avoid. I am glad you have Dinky to hug...it will help.
I started here to tell you about my decisions in a couple of cases but reread it and thought...you don't need to read anymore sadness.. I thought it might make you feel not so alone to read about why I made some of my decisions in the past and I, too, was alone in watching what was happening. I'm glad your husband agrees with you.
If you ever think about what you are doing....I would remember what you talked about happened last night for 6 hours..
it is never easy to do...we are about to separate them from us...but it can help to remember that when they were with us...what their life was like because they had a problem no one could solve.
Maybe it will help you a little if I tell you how I am when an appointment is made. I dread it but I won't change it and I know that. But I remind myself every minute I need to...that as long as my baby is with me...I can change my mind.
Going there and waiting and even close to when they are ready...I can always turn around and take him home but for his sake..I know I won't... What helps me is telling myself...I am in control of the choice..until it is time. Something about that comforts me. I guess tonight I would be telling myself...I don't have to go tomorrow.. but I know I will go. I think realizing you still have some control may bring some comfort while going through this. It just helps me to feel that until the time comes....it is not a FINAL decision...I can change my mind (knowing I won't). Hope this doesn't sound confusing but keeping my feeling of being in control gives me some comfort to get through everything.
I understand what you mean about feeling bad knowing the type of decision it is. That's why when I too think those thoughts....I force myself to think...I am giving him peace...I am stopping the suffering. Since those are the real reasons for making the decision...it helps to remember that. To put an animal down for no reason....that's the person who should feel guilt.
When my Little Guy's twin had a problem, I had a mobile vet come to my home and still we were wondering if we should do it and she suggested a tranquilizer first and then we had until she knew he would be waking up...to hold him and change our mind or not. Just that little time meant a lot. My husband held him peacefully sleeping and we cried..until she said we only had a few more minutes to decide. Within a week he had a large cancer mass fill his chest and his breathing was getting bad even though he was hiding it from us. I would ask about a tranquilizer first so I could cry without my baby seeing it and getting upset.
You and Goose have my thoughts and prayers today, tonight, tomorrow, and always. (a kiss for Dinky too!).
I am so sorry, Victoria. I wish I could go with you. I understand the person helping you is not a dog person and is there for moral support. I would hug you and cry with you. I am crying now typing this knowing what you are going through and what you will be going through.
Yes, love him and kiss him tonight and tell him what a good dog he is and maybe your husband can talk to him on the phone and he will hear his voice also.
You said a very powerful sentence here:
I will have some peace knowing he does not have to do this any more.That's cause you are doing everything out of love.
Hugs

(1 for you, your husband, Dinky, and especially...Goose).
Judy