Carrie,

You are not taking the dog to be killed!!!! You are doing the humane thing for an animal that has lived its life expectency and then some.

Please do not think of this like that!! I know how it is because that is what I thought when I had to put my cat down. I thought I was some horrid killer. Nope!!! My kitty lived almost two decades and had agressive cancer at the end............there was no treatment and she was in pain in a matter of days so to put her down was the only compassionate and humane answer.

You have come to that conclusion as well.............what you're doing for your dog is compassionate, loving and kind.

How old are the kids?? Today perhaps printing out the rainbow bridge prayer (hopefully someone knows link to site) for animals for them to hear? Letting them know that your doggie is very old and that in people terms would be in hospice and approaching his end of this life....a natural part of the cycle/circle.................it is hard to see an animal as old compared to people old. Kids who are little have a hard time understanding that difference.

Don't be afraid to cry!! I think letting them know that you are sad too is helpful. You don't have to be a rock about this. Let them know that you too are going to miss doggie and that your heart hurts to have to say goodbye to doggie.

I remember my mother with our family dog when I was maybe 4 crying about having to put the dog down. I didn't understand at that age but I can't forget her tears and how much she loved that dog. It didn't scare me to see her cry. I was confused that the dog didn't come home but hey.......I was only 4!

You aren't taking your dog to be killed...........you are taking your dog to the vet for the final health visit. Both you and the doctor agree that this is what is best for the animal.

Let your kids know that. That the dog doctor agrees that this is the appropriate thing to do...........and that he/she is a doggie doctor and does know the best thing for animals.

I'm sorry that this is on your agenda today and tomorrow. My prayers are with you if that is okay.

I think the ceremony you have planned for after sounds beautiful. Include the kids in that if you are able to.........I think it will be healing for the entire family to do that for the dog.

((((((((Carrie)))))))))

<font color=purple> --zh </font color=purple>
<div class="foot">(Edited by zenhussy on 08/26/04 04:08 PM.)</div>