From what I have read here, neither of you should have any guilt. You ended your precious ones’ sufferings. I, on the other hand have a different story of real deserved guilt!! I lost my Pom, Bear, last Thursday when it was decided to put him to sleep. For the past five months Bear needed to be taken out every half hour during the day or he would have an accident, when awake. He did nap often however, and most nights he would only have to be taken out once. About six weeks ago he was put on Phenobarbital for seizures. He has had two short episodes since, but recovers well. The last seizure was on Wednesday night. I took him to the vet just to talk. When we entered the clinic Bear was so calm, not shaking like other times, and he sat quietly on my lap just looking around the exam room. When the vet came in she told me she was quite concerned about the reoccurrence of the seizures. I asked her what she would do if it were her dog, she told me she would do the right thing. I don’t know what happened! It was like my mind shut down. I am a nurse, and for the life of me I don’t know why I didn’t tell the vet I would take Bear home, as he was in no discomfort at the time, (as you can see bythe photo), and when the seizures occurred more frequently or got worse then I would bring him back. He has had a good appetite, goes outside to potty, even though it has to so often during the day, and only has 2 short seizures since starting his med, both of which he recovered from quickly, and was content when he was with me! As it was, one minute he was alive in my lap and in the next few minutes he was lifeless, and it hit me what I had done!!! I have cried almost non stop since my boy took his last breath! I keep seeing the whole scenario over and over, and feel I let my dog down! He trusted me, and I let him down. How could I look at this darling dog, who again was in no distress, and let them end his life? My heart is beyond shattered, and the guilt I feel is overwhelming. I feel I will never forgive myself! I have had other dogs, but never one so “attached” to me. Bear would literally cry if I got out of his sight! I am totally empty, but I’m trying though to be thankful for the 8 1/2 years since we rescued our boy from a life of abuse.
