Candi...so very sorry for your loss. As one who has gone through Chemo and Radiation twice, with currently a real excellent quality of life, I would not put an animal through that torture. (And we once had to make a decision like yours.)

You did the right thing for Shaka, but I know it still hurts.

I sort of know how you're feeling. I lost my girl way too young (2 1/2) and although it still hurts, knowing you did the right thing makes it easier.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you peace and comfort knowing that you gave Shaka that final kindness and greatest gift of all; release from pain and suffering.

They never live long enough that's for sure. From the day you meet a canine soul mate the bonds grows deeper and I find it hard not to get attached to their beauty. I am glad you saved her from suffering in the end, no dog deserves to get to the point where they no longer want to live.

My Thoughtful Cyber-Friends,

I want to THANK EVERYONE for all your Kind Words of empathy & encouragement -- The very first thing Shaka ever did when we met 10 years ago was KISS ME HELLO, and the very last thing she ever did this 20 JUNE '14 was Kiss Me Good-Bye ... She would have given her life for me at the drop of a hat, and in the end, she gave her life into my hands so I could provide Safe Passage across the BRIDGE to GOD.

Fewer things are any harder to do in this world, but as we all agree, "knowing what's right & doing what's right" are often 2 different ballgames -- I forced myself to do the right thing for Shaka's Sake, and I managed to master my emotions until the moment after she was gone, also for Her Sake ... But then the "dam broke" and everybody there burst into tears (thank goodness for Caring Vets & Loving Friends to help us cope at that Awful Hour) !!!

I had resolved from the outset that my Good Dog should NOT be allowed to SUFFER even the slightest Pain or Fear, and to the best of our knowledge, her Medical Team and I were able to keep my promise -- We eased Shaka's passing while she still exuded all of her characteristic Joie de Vivre, having no idea yet of what would lie ahead, had I not chosen to perform that Pro-Active Intervention ... What a shame the same could not be said for some of the other Unfortunate K9 Souls we encountered on our various visits to the Vet.

I will get a Compu-Savvy office mate to help me post a few PIX of my new Adobe-Girl on another, HAPPIER thread