Alicia, I am so very sorry to read the latest about Thunder. You know you have lots of support from here on PT. I read somewhere (likely here on PT) that one of the worst things about oour pets is that their live span is so much shorter than ours. How true.

The first time I went through this I was about 19. One thing which worried me was that I would fine it "easier" the next time and I didn't think that was proper. Well, having been through this hard decision several times now, I can say you NEVER get used to it, each pet we have we love to the fullest and they take up a special place in our hearts. Losing them is always a hard thing to handle. You are not somehow making your self less worthy as a person by making this hard decision. Quite the contrary, it is a very selfless decision.

It does sound like Thunder is ready. One thing our pets will do FOR us, is they will hold on as long as they feel WE need them! It is amazing. So, hard as it is, you need to try to convey to him that you will be alright once he has crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge.

For some of my pets, I have clipped a lock of their fur and set it aside in an envelope to save. I can't tell you why I do this with some and not others. I still have these envelopes, going back years. I also remember the pets I did not do this for, so I do not miss them any less. You may like to clip a bit of his fur while you are there at home. Just a thought.

I'll say some prayers for all of you.