I'm extending my heartfelt thanks to everyone that took a moment to post such kind words . . . it has really helped me so much.

I told my husband that I posted about Shasta, and I will print this out to show him, so that we can keep it in her folder. He is having a very difficult time with her passing, and I'm sure that your compassionate words will also help to ease his pain, as it has mine.

I think he is wrestling with whether or not the decision was premature. With Sadie, it was a no-brainer because she could not get up and therefore was soiling herself, and she would not eat. Her quality of life was suddenly and extremely compromised.

Shasta still had some mobility, and an appetite. Because she was a very strong, stoic dog, and hid her pain well, I am not beating myself up over the decision, because I think it was her time. I wish my husband could also see it in that light, but maybe when he reads your posts it will aleviate some of the guilt/sadness he is feeling. The decision WHEN to euthanize an ailing and elderly pet is never easy, but if there is suffering with no hope for relief or remission, then it is time to let them go on to the Rainbow Bridge, where they can be . . . pain-free. And we humans will just have to cry and grieve over losing them, and try to find solace in memories, and knowing that we did all we could to enrich their lives.

Thank you, all.