I've always avoided this thread, just too sad to be reminded that you'll eventually have to say goodbye to your own pets. I have to say though, reading a few pages tonight made me feel a bit better about losing my ferret buddy Nash two days ago.
I was pretty embarrassed about crying at the vet's when they put the needle in his paw and he drifted away. And really embarrassed about how sad I've been feeling over the past few days, I kept on telling myself he's just a little animal and it's a part of life but god damn I miss that guy. Ferrets don't have a long life span but I got really attached to him over the past 6 years.
During an annual checkup the vet discovered cancer which was quite advanced, spread to his lungs and heart, was bothering his prostate also and made it hard to go to the bathroom. Over the holidays I knew it was just a matter of time, he was in bad shape. Still feeling really guilty about making the decision though, even though the vet stated the meds wouldn't work immediately I keep thinking he would have been fine for a few more weeks if we went ahead. I just didn't want to risk it and have him go through a painful night.
I don't think there is ever a right time, either you feel bad for being selfish and making them hang on, or you start to feel horrible because they seemed very alert and active in moments on the day they were put down.
