Irish, I am so very sorry for your loss. So many people think that pets are just animals we own but your comment is so true, they own us and they are friends and family, not just animals.

*hugs*

No sweat;now!We got a sympathy card from the Vet. today.The
card cost us $132 and a dog.Most expensive card that we ever
got;but I suppose it's the thought that counts!At least;they said
that they were sorry;instead of"Thanks for the $132 SUCKER!"
Irish

I'm not looking forward to any of this myself when the time comes for my cat to go.

But ((((((((((Irish))))))))))).........you did the right thing hun! You are a very special person and your thoughts and feelings here have brought me to tears. You are a kind soul and for that I TY for sharing your experience!

LixyChick---It eventually happens!You think that you are prepared
but you're actually not.My wife recently had her cat put down.I'm
not a"cat person"but you get attached to any family member;over
the years.We had the cat for;in the teens;of years.I had a"love-
hate"relationship;with it.Altho;I hate to admit it;I really missed it!
She has one now;that almost died.It got down to less than a 1/2
lb.I rushed it to the Vet.The women;down there;technically saved
its life.You'ld never know it now.The cat is HUGE!My wife gets
pissed off because he always goes to me.Animals are pretty smart
They know if you care about them.A dog can tell if you're scared
of it or not.Sorry to get off on animal psychiatry(sp?) Irish
P.S.I think that the cat misses the dog more then we do!They were buddies and had learned to coexist.

Wow $132 that is crazy.
I have seen this thread and cried the first time I saw this.
I went through this last year with our 13 yr old, she just could not walk anymore.
Heck done this 4 time and NOT once did the vet charge to put them down and we got a card.
Also always stay by your buds side as long as you can, they stayed by yours.
We were very lucky should I say as we could bring them home a and but them in a crave here, got 41 acres.

A pet just an animal, hell we are animal too.
A pet is a best friend, true and loyal.

Sorry I did not leave a post sooner, some time I am only here for ½ hour and the post are 9 pages deep now, pixies has gotten big.

Speaking of BIG that is the king of heart that Irish has BIG!!!!

*sends warm wishes her way*

I wish her strength, too . . . we were talking about this in chat and we all agreed that it's a terrible time when your faithful companion isn't himself anymore :(