Saying 'Goodbye' to your beloved Pet.

This is Coco a very tall standard yorkie, with a massive attitude, so easily trained and the most loving dog. We rescued her from the pound when she was 6 years and 11 months, I don't think she had a bad home before us as she came to us with virtually no issues, she slotted in as if we had had her forever.

On Monday 20th August we had to let her go, and the decision was such a hard decision.

It makes you think, as this is the fourth dog in 20 years we have had to make the decision, they haven't just passed away.

When is the right time? is there ever a right time? Never and No is the answer in my heart, but my head tells me otherwise.

So putting into words the things that have made me decide whether the time is right, but every dog will be an individual basis, some are obvious, some are not so obvious but just knowledge of your dog.

1. Appetite small or not at all

2. Drinking stopped

3. Mobility

4. Energy little or nothing

5. Eyes are dull and sad (not a technical term just a knowledge of my dog)

6. Urination or defecation when they have been so clean

7. Not wanting to interact when normally they are so cuddly

8. Coco's hair didn't grow back after being shaved, but she was well in herself but it was a first indication that something was going on.

9. Tail constantly right between their legs

10. I could go on and on, as the list is endless.

I think the thing that you have to think is am I doing right by my beautiful dog? Is this going to improve? Am I holding onto her for me or for her? Is everything telling me her time is up but I'm ignoring it, because she might improve?

Doubt then sets in, Am I doing the right thing? is she going to become better if we get her fluids up/ try other medication...............

If you look at your dog, and the spark and light have gone, you know they are in pain, even if they are not expressing it, getting treatment is only going to give you a couple more weeks until we are back in the same boat, is this fair after all the beautiful years, and joy they have given you, then you can make the decision, the vet won't make the decision for you, although after you make the decision they will tell you whether they agreed with it.

If you make the decision that it is time to go, when you go to the vet, DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE TOO PAINFUL, you want your dog as they slip into sleep to hear your voice, be in your arms if able too, and be the last face they look at, YOU OWE THEM THAT MUCH AT LEAST. (I feel strongly about that)

Don't just jump out and go and get another dog, give yourself time to grieve, it is a family member, after all, Take a day off work if needs be, and ignore those people who say it's only a dog, my dogs that have gone, have been through a divorce, heartache, moving house, moving jobs, sadness, happiness, anxiety, and pain, they have been there when I have lost loved ones, and when I have been sick, a constant loyal reminder of what unconditional love is, so if you want to grieve, and you need to grieve, you do it, I am because I lost a little part of my heart each time one of my dogs have died.