The only time a dog (or cat) will ever break your heart is when theirs stops beating. ❤🐾🐾💔

This guy feels it. He choked up a few times at the end. A good pet gives you all the best days of your life and one of the worst.

Strange I found this video,now. I just had to do this very thing today. Never an easy decision. But I believe if you are a very attentive pet parent you will know when it's time. Lot of the times, they will tell you. No mater how many times you have gone thru it, it never gets any easier. And I gotta say, no matter how much you know it't time, you still second guess your decision.

It's never easy, but my old lab Mabel started seizures, fall's because of her back legs being bad and she was obviously freaked out, her eyes were big and going non stop most of the time. A miserable time for us both, but I read something during my online searches, along the lines "There's never a good time, but there is the right time. Deciding the time is hard, but it comes down to how the dog is doing and how you want to remember him. Make sure that his last days don't consist of seizures and pain" I remember that. Who ever wrote that, thank you because it helped. There's always trying and hoping that things will work out, but we can't be selfish, if the pets life quality is gone, their freaking out, in pain, miserable or things get dangerous. Difficult to explain, but you will know when that time is right.

I had to said goodbye to my beautiful dog today .. so heart broken.. 😢 it was a hard decision to do this .. she has no pain no more

I think a lot of people do it too early. They know that it’s inevitable so they just scheduled it to get it over. My friend did this with her dog which I had helped raise and adored. On our way to the clinic for the appointment we stopped and got Buster an ice cream cone. He enjoyed that car ride and ice cream so much that he was literally smiling and wagging his little tail. We immediately turned around and took him home. It just wasn’t time. He had a couple more happy weeks with us. Same with my18 yr old cat that we just had to euthanize last month. He had kidney failure and was very skinny. The vet recommended that we scheduled it, but I knew that Bob was still enjoying life. He ate and drank from his fountain. I carried him outside for sunshine every day. He looked terrible but he still purred. Finally he suffered a dislocated hip and couldn’t handle the anesthesia to fix it so we were forced to let him go. But I had 2 extra months with him that we made happy memories! A lot of people think just because they can’t get up and around like they did before that they have no quality of life and should be put down. But think about how you would feel, even if you were in a hospital bed with family coming to visit if you could still laugh and talk and hug and enjoy good food. I’d want to stay as long as I wasn’t in pain. Just my thoughts.

I'm not at near that point but I'm crying just watching this dreading when the time does comes.

I put my cat down yesterday,was the hardest decision in had in my life..Penguin was 16 years old he had kidney failure. I will miss him so much . Was my faithful friend.THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO.

My girl was having UTI's along with arthritis. There was a look of urgency in her eyes. I knew she was suffering, but didn't want to make the call. One day, before our A.M. walk, I held her face in my hands, looked into her eyes and said, "Baby girl, please give me a sign when you can't go on". The next day, she couldn't get up from her evening nap, and became very frightened and panicked. I made the call to a vet who does in-home euthanization. His compassionate care of my girl was very calming. I was so grateful that her final suffering was for but a short time.

Thank you doctor. I have had to do this with 3 of my beloved dogs. My dog now has lost his ability to get up on his own, he is 50 lbs. But once I lift him to standing, he can walk around. He was recently diagnosed with Cushings as well. The problem is MY ability to lift the 50lb dead weight. I do have him wearing a harness which support hips too. But I'm elderly with serious health issues myself. He is my service dog and I'm more than happy to give back to him. I love him so very much. The question is how much more my body can take and how much longer I am able to continue helping him. I never imagined being in this position and it's painful and heartbreaking. For now, I'm cherishing every minute we have together.

It never gets easier. But to know your doing the right thing. Always hard to say goodbye to your best friend😞

I always said that once my Shih Tzu starts to stop eating (after having tested other options) then it’s time. This was always my marker. She has chronic kidney disease and is often nauseous and does not eat well anymore for a week now. She has been through a lot and we were her caregivers. We are facing the saddest decision. I wish I could make her 10 years younger, I would give her a decade of my life if I could.

The hardest part of being a good pet parent. Thanks for the video

Thank you so much for this video. It is such a heart breaking decision to have to make. You discussed and explained it in a very informative yet sensitive way.

Thank you for this video. My cat "Meatloaf" has finally reached this time. He's 15yrs & 11months. All the signs are here. I really was in denial but last week's visit to my vet really helped me see. Especially today. He has been an extremely intelligent cat and a faithful friend. Feel like I have been selfish these last few days. Tomorrow I will take him to my vet and say good bye.

We as a family adopted an amazing doggo in 2003 a beagle. He was 15 when he was put down at home on May 13, 2018 mother's day 2 days ago. His health was on a decline, I wanted him to live a little longer but my gut feeling kept telling me it was time for him to leave and end his suffering. It hurts so much, my heart literally aches. Waiting for his ashes to be sent to me. These videos help somewhat and thank you.

Thank you so very much for bringing a real sense of comfort to us who had to release our furbabe when her pain became unmanageable.

Thank you for this. It’s very validating. Our cat has cancer. Her pain is mostly controlled, but she isn’t eating, drinking, or interacting. She’s sleeping most of the time and seems cold a lot. Over the past few days, she has stopped purring & she was my champion purrer. I wasn’t sure what to do since it doesn’t seem like she’s hurting, but there really isn’t much quality of life, so this video was very helpful for me to determine that.

My Dakota is in peace now.She was 15 w severe arthritis.She was ready she went peacefully w a long sigh.I could not let her suffer,she got to the point she could no longer get up.I had thought about it for months,and I made the decision that day.Its lonely and quiet.I miss her so much.She was a good dog that loved treeing the squirrels,swimming,camping and long trips.I will never forget Nov.22 2017.Sweet dreams Dakota.TY for comin to me in a dream showin Mom that u were on a tear,running,lean and lots of muscle.It told me you are out of your pain.

Thank you Dr, it's a very tough subject. Your pet is a family member. When it's time, I will be there, the last thing I want my dog is to feel me petting her while looking in her eyes. Saying goodbye, it's ok and I will see your on the other side.

I just want to thank you so much for making this video, even though it's on a difficult topic, It really helped me. I'm overcome with sadness as my Siamese cat Zacchaeus's health has degraded rapidly over the last week. I'm praying for comfort for him in the last little bit of time we have left.

I had to have my first dog euthanized at age 14. Had him since he was 2 years old & he only visited a vet twice in his life. Once to get neutered & once to get put down after I found him paralyzed on the kitchen floor after coming home from work one day. He lived a full healthy, happy life up until the end.

I have a 9 yr old dog who has recently had major back surgery for herniated disc in 2 locations ..she was in pain and quickly losing control of her back legs .this whole topic of euthanasia crossed my mind but my dog is otherwise healthy...im glad we did the surgery..shes walking again and a happy loving goofball once again ..so dont give up on older dogs if you can afford treatment

Thank you for this videoo. I had to euthanize my cat yesterday. Everything you described as far as the quality of life deteriorating happened to her. She had CKD. On the last day she curled up against the wall and refused to look at or respond to us. She also refused food and water and even turned her head away from the dish. I knew then it was time but your video confirmed it. Thank you for your service and God bless you!

I'm balling my eyes out watching this, I had to do this 5 days ago. My 14 yo pit. She had constant severe it's, severe diabetes, and anemia at the end. She's couldn't walk from either the last UTI or her arthritis. I wanted to try to keep her but I knew I couldn't stand her being in pain.

I know Dr. Andrew, how much pain you are feeling when you are making this video with Lewis or your beloved pet. You are brave and you are love them sooo badly. Thanks for sharing this video with us.

Thank you. I know this video is old now, but nothing is harder than putting your pet down, as you well know from loosing Lewis. We said goodbye to our beautiful Rottweiler five years ago and I am still crying my eyes out with this video, as I did with Lewis's other last videos. Our dog lost her life to a rare form of Lukeimia, most unusual so we were told. The night before we took her to the vet, she hemorrhage in both eyes and became instantly blind, so we spent her last night, cuddled together, so she knew wasn't alone. We didn't have the luxury of time as her condition hit hard and fast, over a week, she appeared fine one day and unwell the next. Our Vet sedated her while we were with her, so she was at ease before she finally went. The house was terrible without Roxy and we adopted a seven months old Lab Cross from the RCPCA a week later. This dog is our fourth over 46 years of marriage, I just wished larger dogs lived longer. Like the others, he is also adored and spoilt rotten as we never had children. It is never easy when you have to make the final decision. But as I think you said, they do tell you when their time has come to an end.

Thank you so much for the valuable information. Our beloved furbaby is crossing the rainbow bridge tomorrow, he gave me "that" look. He knows. I've been down this road with other pets, and it NEVER gets easier, but it's not about us. As much as our hearts are breaking we want him in a place free from pain and suffering. RIP "Lucky/aka Monkey Butt", we're always gonna love you. 5/4/2020. 🕊️😿💔🕊️

My adult son cries just thinking about having to face this at some point with his 11 year old dog. She’s been a wonderful companion to him. Not looking forward to losing her and trying to be there for my son.

I did at home euthanasia so my very sick 14 year old Westie wouldn’t be scared. It was very peaceful and she went quickly in my arms in her own home. Highly recommend doing it at home if you can afford it.

Dr. Jones, you are so very much loved by pets and fans. Peace be with you.

I had my cat euthanized April 5, 2018. It was time to euthanize her that night when I came home from school, noticing that my cat had lost her eye color. My cat was fine that morning, but when I came home, she was loosing her life. I don't know what was wrong with my cat, but she was not herself and she was losing her eye color, she was acting strange, and she couldn't poop and she vomited non stop. she wanted to stay around me and then she went to her spot where she wanted to go. She was suffering and in distress, so we went to the vet that same night to say goodbye and to have her in a better place.

So many beautiful, caring comments. Our pets are a part of ourselves. Dying - is hard. Bless those who help our pets pass on to the Rainbow Bridge. Bless those who have to make that decision.

my vet told us she will tell you, just listen. She did, she "told" us it was time.

I WISH THIS TIME WILL NEVER COME TO ANY PET OR ANY OTHER ANIMAL.

This video helped us with our decision to put down our 15year old pup. He had many problems . It was one of the hardest and heartbreaking things I had to do. Thank you for the video.

Thank you for taking the fear out of such a dreaded topic for us pet lovers.

Thank you for creating this video. I just euthanized my service dog 7 days ago. He would sleep most of the time. He would eat his food if you added human food to his dog food. The day before he was euthanized, his rear would fall to the floor/ground every time he stood still, but no issue if he walked. I wanted him to die with dignity and not when he couldn't walk. Yes, it was the hardest decision I made, but the dog is not suffering anymore. I hate the feeling of emptiness, but that will get better with time.

My Kipp, my heart, is now 20. GSD/Malamute. Arthritis in hips and shoulders. Weak in the hind end. Has gone from being a super picky eater to starving all the time. Drinking over a gallon of water a day. Still talks to the raccoons possums and coyotes every night. I know his time is coming. I’ve taken him to 7 vets. They don’t want to do anymore than bloodwork. I can’t afford to keep vet hopping. Why can’t I get one to give him a complete exam? To tell me where he’s at now? Our long time vet had to retire a few years ago. Some of our vets even have signs up now saying they won’t treat certain breeds or sizes of dogs. I’m sorry. Just needed to vent a little. I love my Kipp so much.

Ministers say animals have no soul, but God said "everything I created returns to Me."

I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved pets Dr. Jones, but I know you made the right decisions for their little spirits. I will miss seeing Tula on your videos. Blessings of peace.

this is a great video , this helps explain alot and it helped me in the decision i had already made two days ago. Thank you, Dr. Jones, for posting this video. I have done this to my cats two times holding them in my arms as they go to sleep and i now did this with my first dog two days ago at home . My dog had a profound impact on my life and i am inconsolable. i have lost my best friend in life . he was not just a dog he meant everything to me. putting my Ozzy boy to sleep was the most difficult decision i had to make in life.

Just had to put down my sweet 13 year old chihuahua mix today. He had heart failure and I could no longer stand to see him suffer. It’s not an easy decision to make, but my sweet boy is free from pain and doesn’t have to gasp for air anymore. I love my sweet boy and I’m truly devastated.

On September 2018 I put my 12 years old chihuahua ( October) he had cancerous a tumor in his heart and my vet advised me to. I miss him so much

Mel in my picture was so special and sweet. Had to let him go yesterday. Love you so much forever sweet boy.

Love and hugs to our Vets - theirs is a most difficult job 💜

Making that decision is hard but if you are honest you know when it is time. It is a final, loving, unselfish act you can do for a beloved friend.

My little buddy crossed the rainbow bridge today... He was a senior cat who I adopted from the pound about 2 years ago. He couldn't keep any food down and was soon diagnosed with cancer and heart problems. After chemo, daily meds, pain killers and lots of good food, he began to decline fast. His poos, bloody even with the meds, his energy levels non-existent... And his appetite diminished... And with my vet's recommendation, it was with extreme sadness I had to make that decision and let him go in peace. I still feel so much regret and doubts about whether it was too soon. Yet, the longer I waited the more at risk he would be for congested heart failure. And the vet did say the latest she'd recommend his end of life appointment would be within the next few days... Now, he is definitely at peace and I hope he can now move freely and fly wherever he wants to go, and not loose balance to the slightest touch. Thank you so much for sharing such valuable information. It helps lessen the regret of his loss. He'll always be that spicy cat who talks everyone's ears off. Taro, rest in peace my handsome little lad. ✨🌈🐈✨

thank you for covering this subject, it can be a very heartbreaking thing to even talk about

I'm just at the beginning of this video, but I thank-you for talking about this topic. We have an appointment for Thursday, April 22, 2021 for our nearly 15-year-old part black lab girl. 🐶 It's so hard...

Thank you for this. I had to have my 14 year old cat put to sleep an hour ago. She had end stage kidney failure. She had to have her bladder expressed manually. She was weak, vomiting, and in pain. That’s no way to live. I feel glad I was able to do this for her, but god I miss her already. But thank you.

Our Pickles, Shitzou/Poodle, is now 18 years 7 months. She is getting close, just not yet. Amazingly great dog she has been.

I had to do it to my cat December 14 worst day of my life I love him so much it hurts I don’t know how I am coping with it but I am Devon was his name and he was the best thing that ever happened to me just letting people know that life does go on but it’s so sad I am lost without him xx

Thank you for your informative and caring video. I lost my beloved Maltese Sweetie today, she had chronic kidney failure( for 9 months) and was not eating, stand up, and in great pain. I am so heartbroken

The saddest thing about owning a dog or cat.... I worked with a very kind and compassionate veterinarian who used to say to pet owners.... "Helping your friend die peacefully, is one of the kindest things you can do". It's not easy though....

Our 12 year old Husky mix has Lar Par. He had a rough weekend but has bounced back. We've found keeping him cool and not over exerting him helps. He's happy in the mornings, playful, still wants his morning walk, chases the ball (once) but then sleeps most of the day occasionally wanting a belly rub. In the last week though one day he didn't want his wet food, only dry kibble which was strange. We think he still has good quality of life but know he's in his golden age - this video has helped prepare me for when it's time. Thank you.

Thank you Dr. Jones for the video. I'm close to that decision and your information made it more clear to me. It gave me the things to look for. My 130 pound , 13 1/2 year old girl still has a good appetite and a quality of life.

My cat left me today, I've to put her to sleep and feel so terrible. We've spent a good 16 years together, miss her so much.

TY for this video. I have a 16 yr old Chi/Mini Pin. Her name is Josie. I've had her for 15 yrs. She's lost control of her back legs. She's still eating and drinking. We carry her as much as possible to alleviate her pain. She's blind but seems to be okay with knowing her environment. My issue is her pain. I have an appointment with her vet this Friday. I have a feeling that I might be saying goodbye 😔🙏❤️

Thank you Dr Jones.

I took my sweet dog to the vet on the 15fh of January for his coughing that he has had and his ear issues.. He was given A antifungal...prednisone and a strong antibiotic and in 10 days later he stopped eating and wasn't himself.. He had to be hospitalized for 2 days to receive fluids and he was still drinking a ton of fluids but then his urine became darker and then darker and he got worse in a short time. He wouldn't eat much and they wanted him to have a low fat diet but he wasn't interested in this either so I boiled some chicken and he had some but through the weekend he became weaker and weaker. I took him back to the vet and he was extremely dehydrated and now jaundice and just not wanting to do anything. I have no idea how all this could happen ans I am wondering if any of the initial meds caused all this. I had to make a very tough hurtful decision 2 days ago.. it hurts so badly and I just don't know how all this happened or why. There was zero indication jan 15th... I took him in for allergy related stuff... I am very very sad. He was such a good good boy..part of me died with him

Thanks for the comforting video Dr. Jones. Today is that dreadful day. My girl (15 1/2) still has a good appetite and is hydrated, but her health went from poor but stable to very very poor in a week's time. Had to administer two hypodermics of pain killer in the last two days , the pain was so intense, most pronounced during the night. She is large, can barely walk (hip dysplasia) and most of the time needs help getting up, eyes full of mucous constantly now, heart is bad, kidney failure and she sleeps all day and is no longer interested in those morning walks. On top of that she is almost deaf, suspect evesight is bad and she has dementia and walks around like a drunk hitting things etc. Despite all of this, I still try to second guess my decision to put her down, which is just hours away. Sometimes life really sucks. It is early morning and I look at her peacefully lying on the floor as I try to fight my selfish interest to squeeze that last drop of life out her while I try to ignore the agony and suffering she silently endures.

I put my boy flash down 48 hrs ago I don't know what in going to do he was everything to me I have PTSD and deep depression and he was my emotional support dog 🐶 and now with his loss I feel lost live in a city I grew up in and have no speaking family members or true friends he was it ... Pray 🙏 for me I'm hurting badly 😢😭...

This is very helpful as I have a 20 yr old cat with CRF and weight loss. He's still drinking but has bowel issues and he's lost weight. He had a fluid bolus and an Nsaid and antiemetic at the vets. We have a mobile vet who will do euthanasia's in the home and that is what I will do if he continues to fail. I read somewhere that the animal will let you know when they've had enough. I do believe in an afterlife even for animals and that I will see all my beloved pets again some day.

My son was only 2. I got him during quarantine and IDK WHAT HAPPENED HE WAS FINE AND THEN HE WASNT!!!! When he fell o the ground after the shot a part of me died too!!! I can’t breathe. John Wick!!!!! I miss you papa

Thanks for making a video about this subject. Its one I've been struggling with very hard recently.

As always Dr. Jones please accept my heartfelt gratitude for your caring compassion for pet owner and most important our devoted a loving companions. Canada Day of last year had my beautiful Goldie Ginger put down. I am posting this in hopes that your other followers will take heed to your suggestions. Ginger had been suffering from congenital heart failure(please excuse if that is the incorrect word). She had been completely blind for a year but she followed directions well had no anxiety so we carried on. To the point. Several times I had requested my vets assistance "was it time" she was all I had so I didn't trust myself. I was told keep her comfy and she would quietly pass away. What he didn't tell be was that when her heart stopped she would start gasping and fighting for air. This continued for 7 hours. No details needed I'm sure. Thank God I found a vet that would come to my home. (for a hefty price) at that time I would have given everything I own. I have never felt such intense loneliness mixed with immense grief. But if I had followed through and listened to what my heart knew all would have been avoided. Miss yah Ginger Girl you now have a brother named Luke. So friends please listen to Dr. Jones. Trust the signs he's given and please remember they trust us till the end. Blessings to anyone who has, or are presently dealing with this most difficult decision. Ending in a lighter note. Dr Jones I have chopped wood and that is an epic stack :-) Peace

Sadly, vet bills are so high, for long term care, my dogs insulin costs me 200/5 days Just for humulin n 50 units q12 The first thing the vet said, do i want to put him down.. I'm like.. NOOOO, help him Its so expensive and I love my dog I'm not sure if i can do this My dog eats, drinks, he's excited to go outside, even blind What his treatment comes to is payment

We are at that point. Absolutely heartbreaking. Devastating.

I just had to have my beloved cat Bandit put to sleep this past weekend. I tried everything I could afford to do to save him but no medication worked. The Vet told me both times he saw my cat that he needed to be euthanized but I couldn't do it without trying everything I could.

I had to make this decision. But couldn’t be present or I wouldn’t be brave enough to be strong for my dear doggie. I wouldn’t let the vet do the job. I would keep him forever. I’m so sorry... Bolinha. I’m so sorry I hasn’t there. But you were suffering so much... I couldn’t be selfish. I couldn’t stop it. I’m so sorry... He died from a final stage Lymphoma that started at his rectal and spread to his liver. He ate like a truck, while on treatment... and we thought he would make it. Till he just gave up on his final day. We knew he was in such pain and we couldn’t bare to see him suffering. My mother wrapped him in the same blanket I was born in and took him. Still love you, my dear boy. Never forget you. 11-07-2006 to 26/05/2018

Thank you for uploading this vid again!

THANK YOU for this video! Unfortunately, I've had to make that decision 3 separate times! Hard, hard, hard to do especially when their tail is wagging as much as it can while laying on the table! My Megan had a tumor blocking her intestines from stomach-inoperable! I still bawl missing her & it's been 6 years, she was 9 yro!😢 Year after Megan was Bailey, she was 15yro & just couldn't do much-no quality of life at all. 1 yr after Bailey, it was Charlie-15yro, was hit by a car. The gate was left open & he LOVED to sneak out....it was his last time!😢 Took me 4 yrs until I could think about another dog!! 😢😢😢 Boy, I miss them all so much!!!😢😢😢💕

Thank you for this! The vet I dealt with was very cold and disconnected. All she said was it's my decision and they'll give you an oncology number at check out. She needs a new profession if you ask me. She's a surgeon at vetmed.

Thank you for all you do. I've found comfort in your videos.

An easier way to know when it's time: When you start to consider if you should put your pet to sleep or not, that's the time. If you have to even seriously think about it, you should do it.

I almost lost my 3.5 pound chihuahua to kidney failure 3 years ago. I did some research because the vet's plan of treatment included dry dog food and medication and I wasn't comfortable with that. I found a treatment at Five Leaf Pharmacy (expensive) and weighed my options and went ahead and purchased it and started him on the treatment. It also included a recipe for home made dog food. After 6 weeks his condition had completely reversed and all his numbers were back to normal. Since then, I make all my dogs' and cats' food. One year ago I lost a cat to renal failure, not even thinking of using the treatment I used for my dog. The symptoms came on fast and we rushed him to the vet ER and they told me there was no help for him and euthanasia was the only humane thing we could do for him. So we did; it still haunts me now, we shouldn't have listened to them, it was heartbreaking. A year later our other cat started to show symptoms of kidney failure; lack of appetite & vomiting. I couldn't stand the thought of losing another cat to this so I contacted Amanda with Five Leaf Pharmacy and she said the treatment could be used for cats also but she didn't have any recipes for cats. I went ahead and started my cat on the therapy and continued to feed her the home made raw diet but added ground egg shell to her food. After 3 weeks of therapy, she has returned to normal and is her old self again. I highly recommend Five Leaf Pharmacy. They also have similar treatments for liver and heart failure. It is expensive but when you weigh the cost of vets, tests, meds, and the food they want to use, it comes out the same with one exception; in the end, they live longer.

Really hard to watch this video...

My cat was pts last week. He had heart failure and was still eating but his legs had collapsed a few days before, I thought he may pick up again as he had several times with other things before (but never his legs) I guess I was just hoping he would as I never wanted to lose him. I looked after his every need from diagnosis 5 months ago - but sadly there was nothing more I could do, his heart was failing and he had became so weak that he would collapse in my arms when I held him (his feet where pink, warm so it wasn't a clot which is what most heart cats get). He was still eating though and he was aware right to the end, he was sleeping more in the days before but he was sitting up when the vet came and a few minute before he was licking soft cheese - he had had a bit of breathing problems in the night though, this hadn't happened for a few months after we got his medicine right at long last (it was awful he was aware of what was going on but his body was failing him, as it made the decisions so hard) My mums cat had struggled with the sedative when he had had that 1st and was sick, she was left to clean it up herself while the vet attended to a other animal before coming back to give him the injection to put him to sleep - and it is a horrible thought she always thinks about over and over - so I asked them not to give my cat the sedative 1st,im not sure if it was wrong or right but I didn't want him to be scared (I wasn't bothered about me) I just didn't want his final moments like mum's cat Tigger. With that they didn't give Alfie the sedative, they just gave him the one injection in his vein through a canula in his arm and he was asleep and gone in less than 3 seconds. No death is nice but he was gone before either of us could think of it, I was told its just an overdose of anesthetic. He was home as that's how I'd wanted it, I had them come out in the early hours of the morning at 6am when his breathing had become a bit fast, but it was quiet (all that could be heard was the birds) I lit a candle and put on a projector light so the lights were on the ceiling with pretty patterns and colours for him to watch. We spoke to him 1st and he was allert, he had strokes off of me, my mum and the two vets, he was in the dogs (big bed) (which he loved) and I held him while he went to sleep - the vet said he was like a king Alfie and it was so lovely and peaceful for him, I hoped he felt peaceful. It was the hardest and scariest decision I ever had to make, I knew when his legs went there was nothing more I could do for him - he needed his legs to use his tray, he needed his legs to walk and while he was breathing heavy again if I was to give him frusol he would need to wee it out and he wouldn't want me to hold him over the tray. He was too independent for that. I didn't let anyone tell me when it was time though, I took the time to let him tell me, I spent 2 days with him more to cuddle him, brush him and just talk to him (I feel we both needed that) I washed him which he loved, dried him with the hair dryer which he lay relaxed and liked me doing and I cut all his nails with the grinder - I felt I needed to do that for him. I put him in bed close to me and slept cuddling him and we both slept so content for hours, so close and we knew we was there for each other - we was both scared. I ache now, I feel winded without him, my life feels empty. I can't imagine life without him - I just hope he knows how much he was loved and how I did everything for him even on the last day, it wasn't for me it was for him and that if he just had the use of his legs still I would of looked after him for 100 more years if I could 😢 I will forever be greatful for the 5 months I got to spend with him though - it brought us so much closer, especially when the vet had only given him days to live - I spent time cuddling him, kissing him, brushing him, buying him the nicest foods - and I tried to make everything nice for him (it wasn't easy to know he was slowly wasting away day by day, and at just 6 years old - but if I could make his final days more comfortable and happy and show him how much he was loved and cared for, then it was worth taking him home 5 months ago - I'm glad I listening to my own instinct.) I'd known Alfie from the day he was born, I knew his fight, his will to live - and I knew he would fight to the very end - and he did, I was so proud of him, so proud he was mine and he showed everyone who doubted him how much he wasn't about to quit. He also let me know when it was time to let him go too, as I say I knew him, I knew when he was telling me. I had prayed and prayed in his final days that he would just fall asleep and go, but sadly that didn't happen, I didn't want to end his life 😞after afee days - after battling with my head and my heart I prayed for God to give me strength to let him go, and he did. Someone held my hand the day Alfie was pts, someone let me know I wasn't alone - it may if been god but it may of been my nan or my father in law who I was very close to letting me know I wasn't alone. I also asked for strength to keep going afterwards - and even though I have cried (many times since he left) I also have felt a strength from nowhere to also carry on. I never felt like Alfie was really gone from here or from me when he left, it still felt like his presence was with me. I believe Alfie has helped me keep it together this past week, he's been my rock (always). He was my soul cat, he knew me and when I was happy, sad, anxious or sick, we had each other in lockdown and it was the hardest time too with a sick animal in the thick of the pandemic - he was so so clever - like a human. I had such a connection with him. I do feel part of me left with him when he went though, I do feel him around but its not exactly the same, I do still talk to him and I do feel warm all around and content at times. I'm glad I chose to have him pts in our home with his own surroundings, smells and comforts and I was glad I was with him from the start right to the end of his journey - and his fight with CHF was amazing, he was so strong 🌈🐾🌥🕊 He was and will always be my guardian angel. xxx Finally - Don't always think that a pet will let you know its the end of their life by not eating. I was told this with Alfie, I was told to expect him to stop eating and to sleep all the time and then I would know. Yes he did sleep more, but then he had a weak heart - (but) he still did eat. I was never told about his back legs collapsing - which did happen. He couldn't walk at all. I thought after looking on Google it was a clot - but he became wobbly on his legs for a few days before - maybe a week before, then he lost all function and ability to stand, he did have feeling in his legs and feet though - he had pink paws and they were warm to the touch still so it wasn't a clot. He had lost muscle tone the vet said when she came but I feel his heart was so weak by then he had no energy and that was the cause. It all happend so fast the last 2 weeks, I wasn't sure if he would pick up again like before as this wasn't something I was told to look for and as I say he still had an apatite - so all I say is you have to follow your own heart, look at your own pet, look for your own signs and theirs. I'm not saying all vets are wrong - but sometimes they aren't always right either. God bless you all 🙏 💜 🐾 and your furbabies too, especially if your going through loss too right now, look for signs, I am every day and I do feel him around - I'm still waiting for his ashes to come home but I don't think he is home then, I feel he's never really left. (Big hugs to you all) ❤️ from me and Alfie xxx

We just had to lay Our Pennie girl to rest yesterday and your video made me feel better that we did the right thing for her and what she would’ve wanted as well... thank you, this helps a lot during this time.

Dr Jones. Thank you for this video. My 16 yr old Leo has several chronic terminal illnesses. He is barely eating & wasting away. Unfortunately I will be needing to contemplate euthanasia. I have done everything I could to make his life comfy but now it’s just time to let go... I was hoping he would just past on his own.

I recently put a my 12 year old cat down after he suffered the symptoms of a brain tumor for three years including circling, restlessness, seizures, and periods of aggression towards both myself and the other cat. He was also having trouble sleeping, Had much less tolerance for patting, and was propping his head up against anything he could, presumably so he wasn't lying flat. I was giving him prednisone which initially was helping quite a bit, but towards the end it had become much less effective, and giving it to him was like torture, he just didn't want it, and he was to the point of needing it everyday. Eating was about the only thing he could still enjoy, thus I disagree that if they are eating they are still enjoying life. He could watch the squirrels here and there , granted he had to walk in circles to get there, and he often forgot where he was even going. I struggled with the idea of euthanizing him because it wasn't something that is cut and dry when you don't really know for sure what is ailing your pet. I did know his quality of life just wasn't there anymore, and the quality of life for the other cat whom he had increasingly been attacking wasn't there either. I talked to a friend and asked what he thought, and he said I would know for sure when It was time, and I would not need to ask anyone else. I came home from work about a week and a half ago to find the other cat had been attacked to the point that she peed on the floor and was cowering while hissing and growling. I looked at my ill cat and petted him and told him it was ok (I knew he didn't really know what he was doing, or he wasn't in control), and I knew it was time to let him go. I thought about his quality of life, or lack there of, and I knew in my heart we had forced him to live like this for three years and he was ready to rest. Ironically later that day I sat next to him on the couch and he looked into my eyes and he told me he was tired. I know It sounds crazy, but it is true. Long story short your heart and your pet will tell you when it's time, you will know, and you will have very little doubt. My sweet boy was lucky, he had a wonderful vet that sedated him first and then put in the IV catheter. He rested comfortably in my arms while we spent some time with him to say our goodbyes and then he painlessly went to sleep.

I had to just put my dog down and am still 2nd guessing myself, I know deep down it was time as she couldn't even stand on her own now, but man do I miss her badly =[

Had to put my Karelian bear dog to sleep June 7 2023. I had the vet come to the house . He did not give any sedation. He just went for it . Sasha was crying when the needle went in . If I had known that needle hurt I would have insisted on sedation. None of my animals will ever be back at that vets.

I have a cat who’s 13 and she’s got a tumor and a dental disease, she’s still eating small amounts and drinking water, however she has lost some weight and my mum is considering putting her to sleep. I know my cat like the back of my hand and she’s still perfectly happy.

Mine have always let me know when it was time. The decision to do it is not hard. Saying goodbye and grieving for them is the hard part.

Very sensitively handled. Thanks.

We just put my dog down due to cancer, it was the hardest thing to do, I did it with the vets recommendation, she was still eating like a champ and also drinking, but she was having difficulty walking due to fluid in her hind legs, she was also incontinent quite a bit, I hope it was the right time, I know she was depressed and spent most of her time in my room because she couldn't get up the stairs, I miss her so much, it's so hard with her gone 😢 all I keep picturing is her licking my face as she went peacefully and took her last breath

Ya my dog just had mini seizures few seconds long shaking his head up amd down 5 time a day wasnt serious but he was 14 long time was hardest thing i faught my mom my dpg was my personal therapy dog he calmed me and made my depression go away i miss my dog everyday

I can't really make myself have our pets euthanized. I know they were in agony until their last breath but I did my best to be there with them until the end but sometimes they choose to go when I leave them for minute as if they didn't want me to see them die. One mistake pet parents make is to leave their dying pets with the vet but they don't know that their pet cat or dog actually looks for them before dying and wants their presence until their last breath.

Excuse the comment regarding epic wood chopping in the following comment (Big Smile) I had just watched your video on pet sedation. Thank you for taking the time to contact me directing me there. I'll try your suggestions and let you know how they work for Luke. Be well and give that big old boy of yours a good old scratch from me. I'm growing very fond of him :-) PEACE

My wonderful Cooper, my perfect GSD, completely trustworthy and my best friend and one of the world's best souls, left this world on April 29. I hope I did the right thing. He had terrible DM and/or IVDD - he didn't deserve these crosses - I can only hope that we meet again. I wish I could just crawl under a rock and stay there until I die.

For me it was the hardest thing to do to my dog😢 she was blind couldn’t hear pooping in the house I trying everything 😥😥😥 I feel so bad and guilty can’t stop crying !never again

Dr Jones, love your videos, explanation...the works. Bless you!

I had to make that super tough decision to euthanize my 14 year old cat Squinty a few weeks ago, the week before Christmas. And what made that decision even more surreal was how healthy he was around the last week of November, then his health started taking a decline the first week of December. It all started with a lack of appetite, just like you said. Then I would later find that he struggled just trying to make the jump on my bed, which was not normal for him up to that point. And that same night, I thought I was going crazy, but after getting a second opinion on my suspicion, I and someone else noticed his stomach was bigger than usual. And considering how little he ate before we noticed that, I knew that was unusual. After seeing those signs snowball, I had my vet examine him and came to find out all that he was going thru was a cancer in his stomach and it caused fluids to inflammate his stomach. A week after his cancer diagnosis and the fluids being drained out of his stomach, he started to get lethargic again, not eating much, to even at all and hiding in a spot he normally wouldn't sleep at. It was then that I had to decide to euthanize Squinty, even though I really didn't want to lose him. All that happened in the course of only two or three weeks, which didn't feel like enough time to have to euthanize him. But when you mentioned "quality of life vs quantity of life," those words resonated so well with me that it made sense as to why I always feared having to lose Squinty. Because he was the only one of my five family cats that I was able to keep after a tragic event changed my life forever, I went to so much lengths to preserve him and guarded him like a billion dollar check, because he was all that was left of my immediate family. And though I wish he could have lived longer than 14 years, I don't regret the 14 year journey the two of us had together. He persevered through a lot of odds just to live as long as he did. And that's so inspirational I want to emulate that kind of tenacity he showed there. And you can bet I'll be checking some of your videos out to help bring out the best in my next cat or kitten I have! New sub!

My boy has a brain tumor and he’s starting to get to the point that I need to have this done and it’s breaking my heart. Breaking my heart to think of letting him go and breaking my heart to see him like this. He had a senior wellness exam a few days ago and it was well, continued steroid use but idk... he’s got me so nervous because he’s stumbling, circling, the lost look in his eyes. If paranoid he’s gonna have a seizure.... My sweet boy isn’t there anymore. I’ll be calling the vet tomorrow for that appointment. 🥺

We are having my cat euthanized today as he seems to be in severe pain and won’t eat or drink. We have tried everything our vet can offer and nothing has worked (he has an intestinal tumor) we don’t want him to suffer anymore

I had to make that devastating decision Saturday 30th 2021...I’m heartbroken she died in my arms all 3 pounds of her...I had my teacup chihuahua of 16 years she was totally blind would fall over when she walked peed and then started pooping in her bed...she would just lay in her bed since last November...my heart is broken and still waiting for her ashes...thank you for your video...I know I did the right thing even though my heart is broken 💔

The hardest decision to ever make.A friend once said when I was struggling to let go "You want them to suffer so you don't have to" Never forgot those words

I just got given the bad news today that my dog has grade 3 mast cell tumor. I’ll be meeting with the vet soon to go over options…I can’t fathom her passing away. I’m so scared for when that time comes 💔😢