What a beautiful baby. I am so very sorry for your loss. It's the hardest thing we do - letting them go but the sweetness of their love, it is worth every tear. What a tender way to say goodbye and yet so difficult. I am happy for you that you had such a sweet long life and sad for you that it had to end too soon. Prayers with you as you grieve.

RIP Tundra. I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

So sorry for your loss; she was beautiful. Run free, Tundra.

Rest assured that Tundra loved you and knew that everything that you have ever done for her was in her best interest.

i'm so sorry for your loss. over the years, i've had to make this decision numerous times. i have always said i would rather do it a week too soon than a day too late. dignity should be the second determining factor, after pain.

tundra was beautiful! i hope your memories of your time with her will help to ease your grief.

It is a hard decision to make. I used to have Malamutes but was lucky enuff to have a vet at the time that would make home visits for this- less stress for the animal. Totally agree with you on not just dropping them off at the Vets- it is your obligation as a pet owner to stay with them and make it a peaceful process. Thoughts with you through the grieving process.

My thoughts are with you, your a good Mom, and Tundra was so lucky to have spent her life with you, your love for her shows in your words. Loving them is the easy part, knowing when to let them go is always the hardest part. Tundra will be apart of you forever. Take your time grieving and talk about Tundra a lot, it does help. Best Wishes Christine

I am so glad you posted this. The other day at the grocery store, I ran into a woman with her service dog. Her previous dog, who had been with her over nine years, suffered from hip dysplasia, which was getting worse. So this lady, realizing that the pain would only get more frequent and more intense, made the decision. I asked her about the "your dog will tell you when it's time" philosophy, and she shook her head vehemently. She said that your dog will stay with you no matter how much pain it costs the dog. This woman was a combat Survivor with PTSD, and her dog's job was to soothe her when she began to panic. She said that at the vet's office, the dog, sensing her stress, licked her hand. That dog never would have told her "it's time". That decision is our job, that pain belongs to us.

Yes, if there's no medication or procedure that can make them feel better then it is time to let go as they live in the moment. How they feel physically is all they know.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and if you have also lost a four legged family member, please post his or her photo and name. They will always be in our hearts. Here is my Tundra stealing cookies from the table, miss her antics.

i won't post all of them because if i did, it would break the internet! so, i'll just post the last one i lost...samson, a 3.5 year old great dane. he came to me as a skinny, scrawny dog with a terrible case of happy tail. i had him neutered, his tail docked and put over 50# on him. conformationally, he was a hot mess but he was MY hot mess and i loved him to pieces. i lost him to a genetic heart condition after having him only 7 months. he was so goofy and lovable and i miss the big lug!

RIP Samson run free goofy boy.

It made me smile to see that picture of Tundra on the table eating cookies! in time, as your grief lessens, you'll be able to think of her antics and laugh, instead of cry. My cat, Cowboy, was notorious for jumping on the table, not for treats but just because he liked to be at eye level with us. No matter how many times I removed him from the table, he kept jumping up there. Every morning he was there on the table, waiting for me. For weeks after he passed, the first thing I did in the morning was look for him on the table.

RIP Cowboy, one awesome determined cat braking all the rules in the house just to be close to his people : )

Yes, Cowboy was a rebel! But he was an affectionate guy who insisted on having his way. He had a lot of "catitude" but a loving heart, we adored him and miss him terribly.

I'm in tears just seeing and reading about Tundra, but the pic of her ON the table made me laugh. My current three are rescues, and I adore them and vice versa. Over the years, I've lost Rudder, Willie, Maggie, Joey, Sam and Jenny; all Brittanys. The pic below shows L - R, Joey, Jenny and Sammy enjoying some warmth on a cold winter day. I miss every single one of them, but have no digital pics of Rudder, Willie and Maggie.

I want to show the current crew that make me laugh every day and want to be sure I know how much they love me. I feel the same way about them, and would do anything to make them happy. I now transport dogs for New England Brittany Rescue, and the kids below (plus Jenny above) are all from that organization. I'm driving one this weekend, too!

Riley, Ginger and Rooney. Ginger was my first transport and she didn't get far, as you can see. My BIL said I did a great job transporting, but failed on the delivery! Despite her size - she is the BOSS.

Gabriel, how sweet of you to reach out to others who have lost pets when you are suffering deep sadness yourself. Deepest condolences; she was a beauty.

I'll take you up on your request. Here is Senorita. We found her at about 3 days old with ants crawling on her. Bottle fed her and she was our dear kitty for 17 years.

RIP sweet Senorita.

This issue is difficult and an individual one.

I work with puppies - seniors and get involved with hospice issues as a profession. I've lost count of how many dog clients I've lost. Personally I've had the experience 3 times with dogs in the past 15 years, and will soon have it again. I could tall stories that would literally bring you to your knees.

Long ago my vet gave me some great advice. When your pet is not doing well, mark on a calendar for 7 days if it is a good day or a bad day. After 7 days, if there are more bad days than good, you need to ask yourself a question only you can ask, that unfortunately might not have a pleasant answer.

For me personally, it is extremely important that heroics are not part of what is going on. I understand why people do it, it's just not part of how I deal with this situation.

Equally important, my dogs simply must be able to do "dog things". When that is no longer possible I know I am going to have to make a decision.

Mike