Sorry for it to be a maudlin post, but it is something that has been playing on my mind for a while now - probably because I have two elderly dogs

What do you all think about staying with your dog while they are pts? I have stayed with mine so far, but I get very, very upset and I am scared I might actually be distressing the dog. I am wondering whether it might be kinder if I were to say my goodbyes and then leave the dog with my hubby while the deed is done. My overriding feeling is that it is my duty to be there, but I just wonder if I am doing more harm than good.

Thoughts.

As hard as it is I think by having their owner by their side makes them calm and relaxed
If I left holly she would be in a panic because I wasn't there, but if I was there she would be more calm because I am with her
I have been there everytime, one final cuddle. Plus if your dog is suffering you see them at peace which reminds you that you have done the best thing for them.

As hard as it is to face I couldn't not be there because I would feel like I have failed them when they need me the most.

Difficult I have stayed with mine too. I do wonder if maybe I upset them but at the end of the day I just have to stay to give them the last cuddle and speak softly to them.
I know if I didn't I would feel a 1000 times worse than I felt already.

Yes, i was there when we had to put Shadow down...actually he was in my arms, as he had been so many times before in his 13 years. For me there was no question that we would do it at home where he felt the most comfortable, surrounded by his family.
I knew at 8:30 a.m. what we had to do and that gave my son time to get home, as well as my husband, and spend quality time with Shadow. The vet came at 6:30p.m. I can't deny it was the hardest day of my life, but I wouldn't change a thing. Shadow gave us so much in his 13 years...that's the least I could do.
You need to do what is best for you...maybe have friends or family to be there as well so you can have moral support. Just a thought

I have done , i tried to close her eyes and the vet told me they will not close , that hit me ...

I've stayed with mine so far. I wouldn't feel right not doing so to be honest. Both have seemed very calm and not at all worried by what's going on despite me being in tears.

Noooooooooo, it's an absolute must I feel Kirsty, and although you think you'll be upset and upset the dog, it really doesn't happen that way, when you absolutely KNOW in your heart, that you are doing the right thing for your dog and ending its suffering.

I've had to do this sooooo many times now, whilst Dave hides away in another room, usually with another dog of ours, although the last time of course with old Georgieboy, all on my own and instead of being at home where we usually are, I was at the vets. Yet again, my inner strength kept me from letting him know what was happening, until the injection started to take effect and he made noises, then I broke down as I spoke to him, but the vet assured me, that when that was happening he had already gone and knew nothing except the way he always knew me.

I honestly think it would haunt you if you weren't there I really, really do, but of course, sometimes you just can't.

Now I've said all of that, and I look down at my beautiful 4 yr old soul mate lying here at my feet and I wonder..........

Everyone has to make their own choice, but for me it's simple, I owe it to my dogs to be there on their final journey.

As hard and difficult as it is, the last thing they should see is someone who loves them.

i prefer to stay with mine while they are pts, i personally feel i owe it to them, however i didn't have the choice with my last one , it did upset me at the time. x you have to go with what you feel comfortable with. xxx

Oh Moobli. YES you really have to. I did with Max and Jeager. We owe it to them. They just "know" that if Mum or Dad are there....It will be ok!!----If and when it happens, please be strong and, THERE!

Oh Moobli. YES you really have to. I did with Max and Jeager. We owe it to them. They just "know" that if Mum or Dad are there....It will be ok!!----If and when it happens, please be strong and, THERE!