Erica, I'm so sorry this is what you're dealing with right now. I am not surprised because I've been following along closely what's been going on with Levi lately. Unhappy, but not surprised. 

First of all, I think I will speak for everyone here when I say that the right time is before Levi is absolutely miserable. You know one of our mottoes: Better a week too early than a day too late. 

Only you and your husband and Levi can decide who takes him on this part of the journey. Is there any chance the vet can come to you, though? That is really good for everyone, including Levi. If they truly understand what Levi's been going through (and I can't see how they wouldn't), they may do this for you even if they usually don't.

I have done this for too many companions. I would be lying if I said there isn't sadness there. But there are other emotions, and some of it becomes very complex. There is relief that the pain has stopped. You no longer have to tapdance frantically to make sure your dog isn't suffering. You realize you've been holding your breath and now can let it out and stop working so hard. For me, being with my dogs who've left was like finishing the journey. It's not for everyone. But realize that you are probably much stronger than you think you are. You've already gone through so very much with Levi, and he's been teaching you so many lessons along the way. Perhaps he was helping you get ready for this. Just a thought.

Whatever you do, you do out of love so you can only do right. You will have so very many of us holding you close in our thoughts as you walk down this path.

Shari

Oh, I'm so sad to read that it is Levi's time.

I didn't think I could handle it either - and frankly I worried my hubby couldn't handle it - when we had to put our sweet 12 yr old beagle to sleep. She was our first pup together, and my hubby's first dog ever, and she was very much Daddy's girl. We had someone come to the house, because she was terrified of the vet. She passed in her daddy's arms. It was very hard and very sad, but she was surrounded by love.

With Abby, we went ahead and took her to the vet. She loved going to the vet because everyone there made such a fuss over her. Both hubby and I went, and I'm glad we could be there with her - but once it was done, we did not spend long with her. The vet and tech left the room and said we could spend as long as we wanted saying goodbye. We both kissed her and said our goodbyes and then I had to get the hell out of there. I couldn't stand to see her like that since she was always so spunky. So, I can totally understand your not wanting to see Levi that way.

I can understand your not wanting to go along. I guess you have to ask yourself how you might feel about that after. I'm not trying to sway your choice, but do you think you would regret not being there with him?

It's so freaking hard. But if you do go, I think you will get just a tiny bit of peace from it. I know it for me that was one thing about the process... seeing her finally not struggling to breathe was very calming. But then, like I said - 2 minutes later I needed to get out of there!

Thinking of you guys. Sending big hugs. Hang in there. This is the hardest part of being a dog pawrent, but at least we can do this for them. At least we can let them get rid of their pain. It's a huge, selfless gift that you will give him.

I'm so very sad to hear that you have reached this point.  It is a very personal and difficult decision, not to mention traumatic as you count down the days. There has been some really good advice so far on how to approach it. 

Magnum was the first close family member I've lost too.  My greatest fear was that I wouldn't be there when her time came and my second biggest fear was that I would be there and I'd be a blubbering mess and no support to her at all.   I found a strength I didn't know I had and stayed brave in front of her until she had passed away.  I'm glad I did because I know that I would have had regrets if I hadn't been with her.  Her dad couldn't do it and he left  shortly before the procedure.  He would have had regrets if he did stay. Each person is different. I allowed myself to howl uncontrollably once she had passed but like Jackie, I didn't want to stay for too long afterwards.

As Shari says, "whatever you do, you do out of love so you can only do right".

It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. 

Thinking of you.

Im so sorry you have reached this point but it is a time we all have to face as pet owners. Don't feel bad if you cant be with him on this final journey, it is an incrediablly hard thing to do and my husband has told me he will never be able to do it for our pets (it is always me). But before you make your final desicion just think how you will feel afterwards, if you think you might regret not being with him then maybe you need to be there. Whatever you decide just remember we are all here for you when ever you need us.

Hugs

Sarah

I just saw your post now and wanted to let you know how sorry I am for you and your husband.  You can be proud of the wonderful life you gave Levi and you did everything humanly possible to keep him healthy and happy.  Yes it is hard to let go and there is nothing wrong with that.  And since you have not experienced the death of someone close you are experiencing the unknown which is uneasy.  I agree with Shari that you will feel a sense of the end and be able to take a breath.  And you will reach a point when you are able to smile -- through tears at first, but you will smile.  Just remember no one can ever take away your happy memories. 

Oh, that's a good point - since you haven't been through this before, know that the vet will ask you what you want done. They will ask you if you want Levi cremated separately. We did that with both Abby & Bailey. They are both sitting in their lovely cedar boxes across from my desk as I type this...

Just want to warn you of what's coming with the appointment. Hang in there.

Thinking of you and your pack today.