Bon

If your vet thought there was something that would of helped your cat they would of done it. A vet wont put an animal down just because. You did the right thing since you saw he was having a hard time. Don't beat yourself up over what ifs. Maybe the other cat had something totally different than what your cat had. Your buddy is running all over Kitty heaven having a good time!! I'm sorry you lost your friend, I know what it feels like...

If your vet thought there was something that would of helped your cat they would of done it. A vet wont put an animal down just because. You did the right thing since you saw he was having a hard time. Don't beat yourself up over what ifs. Maybe the other cat had something totally different than what your cat had. Your buddy is running all over Kitty heaven having a good time!! I'm sorry you lost your friend, I know what it feels like...

Yep  been over a year now and it still hurts me everyday'

Knew it had to be done he could not get up one his own or even really hold himself up out in the yard but had hope it would pass but it was a very hard decision for all of us to let him go.  Miss him dearly every single day.  But  I do know I will see him and the others one day.  Second guessing will always make one sick and guilty, I think that is part of why I feel the way I do

It is correct that if you are just trying to do a cosmetic surgery for tail docking....most vets will not do it after 3 days old.  But since this is a medical issue that the vet I work for refers to as "happy tail" it is possible to remove the tail.  It is much better for the tail to be removed then always have to fight off infection from there being a constant wound on the tail. My suggestion is to go and have the tail looked at and talk over the options with your veterinarian.  

If you have problems viewing try this link
 
http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/index-old.htm

True!!! All we had were pics in textbooks and "You Were There" movies. Think I'm showing my age...lol

We have opted for cremations when our pets pass. We have two four year old boys, and we have lost three cats in the past year due to cancer, old age etc... (one was 24). two of them we had to have help passing, one we took to the vet, the other we actually found someone who would come to our home and euthanize so we didn't have the additional trauma of transporting an already sick and hurting animal. We explained to the boys as simply as possible about the body no longer being able to support life and the need to let go. We were able to explain the process and what would happen in very simple terms . When the pet had passed, we allowed it to lay at rest in our bedroom over night so our other pets could pay their respects and our boys could visit and touch it and ask questions. We then took it for cremation and had its fur shaved so that trimmings could be used in lockets or other items that helped the boys remember their pet. We've also done memorial photos, and the pawprint molds and such - all great suggestions. If you're able to answer their questions in a very straight forward way, I think you'll be surprised at how well they understand both the need for euthanasia and the concept of losing their beloved pet to death. I'm really sorry that you'll be losing a loved one this way. It just plain sucks no matter how you look at it.

It's a pintrest night for me all the time!! I get lots of ideas on there.

A 3 yr old really isn't going to understand no matter how you explain. I like the idea of holding a funeral, your 8 yr old will understand that concept. Maybe start talking now to your kids that the dog is very sick and the doctors just don't know how to heal him. Not to sure about taking your son with you when that time comes around. He might associate the vet as a bad place to go with your animals.
To be honest, this is going to be harder on you & your husband than it will your kids.
Been there many times......

A 3 yr old really isn't going to understand no matter how you explain. I like the idea of holding a funeral, your 8 yr old will understand that concept. Maybe start talking now to your kids that the dog is very sick and the doctors just don't know how to heal him. Not to sure about taking your son with you when that time comes around. He might associate the vet as a bad place to go with your animals.
To be honest, this is going to be harder on you & your husband than it will your kids.
Been there many times......

A 3 yr old really isn't going to understand no matter how you explain. I like the idea of holding a funeral, your 8 yr old will understand that concept. Maybe start talking now to your kids that the dog is very sick and the doctors just don't know how to heal him. Not to sure about taking your son with you when that time comes around. He might associate the vet as a bad place to go with your animals.
To be honest, this is going to be harder on you & your husband than it will your kids.
Been there many times......

You could get some paint and do a paw print and a hand print for each child. Frame it for their room so they can look at it when they think of him. They can remember how happy they where doing something fun with you and him. I would also let them pick something to put in his coffin to keep him company on his trip to heaven when the time comes. Sorry for the stress this must cause you when you are trying to be so strong for him and your kids.

Thank you Emm, it is very much appreciated. You are right, if you've never knew the unconditional love that a dog/cat/ferret whatever gives in return to the love you give them, it's hard to understand. But those who haven't experienced that love in my opinion are missing out. Yes this part is difficult but so is losing a human that you feel for.

You have all my sympathy.  I still hurt sometimes from the loss of my first kitty "brother", Nate.  I know how hard it is to lose a member of your fur family.  I will never understand how anyone could say it is "just" a cat or a dog.  If you truly love and care for an animal, there is no way it cannot become a part of your loving family. 
 
Please know that my thoughts are with you and your family today as you send your loved one over the Rainbow Bridge.

Thank you all. He has passed to the next world, all of us are very emotional, having those "remember when he...." conversations. But it was had to be done, although that doesn't help much. Mom went from 5 to 3 dogs in 3 months. Worse thing for me this morning he came right up to me and was "almost" himself, his little docked tail wagging and he kissed me good bye. It had been a while since he had done that (recognized me) and that brought on the waterfall for me.

Sending my sincere sympathy. It is so hard to say goodbye to a cherished pet.

She has been more of a mother to me than my bio mother ever was or is capable of. We don't always see eye to eye but when it comes down to it, she's my Mom and she is in emotional pain. The 1st one was a sudden aggressive progression, she rescued him ( as all of pack are rescues) and he was a certified therapy dog ( he had an amazing inspirational life that many could relate or found comfort being with him). Dutch, well he clung to mom n I, smart dog but has recently suffered from what the vets think multiple strokes. He is so sad and she is going to help him pass peacefully meeting the vet in a field (hunting dog so will be surreal) to hold him as he falls asleep. She does have one that just turned 15 yrs old recently, the sister of one I lost 2 years ago at easter. Only animal people truly understand
this pain we feel, but we know he has no quality of life so how fair is that? Btw she treats her pack better than many treat their children.
 
Good night, long day a head

This is one of the hardest things to deal with. My sympathy.

My daughter just had her 15 year old Weimer put to sleep, yesterday. The vet came right to the house and everything went as well as possible. My daughter and her husband have been nursing him for at least 2 years. he has had numerous small tumors removed among other issues. Daughter even started taking the dog to a holistic vet. I think she got an extra couple of years out of him. It's hard, daughter says she feels lost having lost a companion. Yes. enjoy your time together, your dog is lucky to have had you for his owner and friend.

Baby the big boy, I know you do already and Bon is right, u will know when the time comes. So sorry, vent if u need to. From 1 furry mommy to another, deepest condolences.