What a whole lot of love your pup clearly got right to the end. Hugs. 
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Big hugs. I still get teary eyed when I think of our dog (will be ten years since he fell asleep in my lap and crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Halloween day that year)
Now I need to get tissues… For all who lost a beloved pet:
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I used to torture myself with “what if” questions. What if my dog rallied for another week? What if it was too soon? But I’ve come to realize the scenarios cut both ways. What if I waited another week and my dog didn’t rally, but instead was in agonizing pain at 2 am?
We can’t know how things would have played out, but don’t assume all the imagined alternatives would have been positive.
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The wanting to scream No! Stop! is so very relatable. That’s exactly how I felt. I am so so sorry
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DH remains haunted by a cat that he thought might rally for a while that instead died in front of him, in clear distress. Definitely in the minute too late category. With hindsight, he’d happily do even a month too early.
Hugs to you, OP. That kindness takes courage and selflessness.
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Me too. I had one kitty die as I was putting her in the cat carrier to go to the vet. It was horrible. I’ve also held several as the vet put them to sleep. As hard as the latter was, it was much easier than the former. It’s just a hard decision either way
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A dear vet friend who unfortunately lived too far to be our vet, advised it is far better to say goodbye on your terms - if possible.
Our dear aging pup had quit eating all food or treats or anything we tried - for nearly a week, so we knew the time was coming. Our vet believed her cancer returned, and little more to do given her age. We decided to not wait another day, when pup looked at me with extremely sad eyes instead of walking in her favorite park.
BUT – the experience at our vet’s office was awful. My preferred vet was not scheduled to be in the office for 3 days, and we didn’t want to wait that long, so brought her to the office, to say goodbye with who was on duty that day.
Our pup became agitated. That vet looked at pup, said “I’ve seen worse”, let us pet her briefly, returned to the room and proceeded to euthanize without any type of calming medication first, or offering to let us hold her. Immediately afterward, vet returned, and asked if we wanted to purchase a paw print. I was horrified!
We switched vet offices. For our current pets, we hope to secure a service willing to come to our home.
That is awful! I would switch vets, too. Hugs.
So sorry you had to go through it, even when you know it is for the best it sucks. It hurts for a long time too.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear pup. Please don’t continue to beat yourself up. Many, many of us have wrestled with these questions, too.
Our 14yo pup was dx’d with neck cancer, discovered as the vet was about to clean her teeth. We had her for another three months, as we spoiled her, cooked her chicken every night, and took her on walks.
The decision point was when she couldn’t sleep because the tumor pressed against her windpipe when she lay down. If she was on all four paws, she was much better.
Afterwards, I asked our vet if we’d chosen euthanasia too soon. She said it was the right time – our pup was outside sniffing in the yard when the vet arrived, but her struggle with nighttime breathing was only going to get worse and make her more scared and uncomfortable.
I’m thankful we were all on the same page with treatment – I’m the one who held on longest, but after sitting up with K for two nights, I knew it was time to let go.
We’ve lost two dogs, and they both went unexpectedly. That wasn’t easy, either. We didn’t get to say goodbye. 
I have a related question. Thank you for starting this thread. Our 15 yr old cat has cancer and we are going to be boarding the cat at the place we have used her whole life. The vet said it is not time yet but maybe during the boarding (daughter getting married out of town).
He asked that we give instructions to the boarding place if she gets in distress but he did not have a form. He said it helps to sign a paper ahead of time for her to bring the cat in. Any ideas? Forms? thoughts?
kjofkw - so sorry you had that experience with the uncaring vet. Know that you did all you could and your pup had so many happy years with you.
@rockymtnhigh2 Does the boarding place have their own forms? I assume they would have some sort of a release from liability.
I will ask tomorrow.
I’m so sorry about your kitty. Hope she is still on this side of the Rainbow Bridge to greet you when you are back to pick her up.
Thank you. I realize she is older.
I went to the kitty boarding. I handed in their signed permission for her to take our cat to the vet if needed and that seemed detailed and appropriate. Then went to the vet to see if there was anything I needed to hand in, just in case. They said that they call us and discuss options, etc. I may need to email back to confirm my choices.
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