Oh Steph, my heart breaks for you and we all understand the deep pain and sorrow and sense of guilt you are feeling. Any parent of a child, human or furry would feel the same way. But accidents do happen and in the light of such crisis and anguish, such as you were experiencing, our reasonable thinking goes out the window. You were gripped with fear and no one can fault you for not doing anything that in hind sight, you now think may have helped. It's clear you loved your beautiful Jewel with all your heart and soul and to the very end, she knew and felt that love as you held her in your arms. That is the most important thing. Whenever I used to feel guilt or sadness or regret over something I did, my mother used to console me by saying, "You did the best you could do at at the time. And when you knew better, you did better." Life teaches us many hard lessons along the way, Steph. But don't let guilt overshadow the love you have in your heart for Jewel. Do as Ted says, let an abididng and unconditional love for all your pets, throughout your life, be Jewel's lasting legacy. Wish I were there to give you a hug, Steph. I know the memory of that sad day is still with you, but try and slowly replace it with the many happy, loving memories you and Jewel made together. I will light a candle for your precious Jewel tonight. {{{HUGS}}} Sandra