How do you know if it's time

[lizbud]

Thank you Sasvermont, although I am not the original
Elizabeth who started this thread, my given name is
Elizabeth and I felt that you were speaking directly
to me about my dearly beloved companion Buddy...
Your thoughts about this mean a lot to me. I can't
tell how much... Learning to accept "the time" is a
heartbreaking event for us humans who are left
behind to morn their passing.
My dog Buddy will be nine yrs old in March and has
had health problems since he was a pup.An early surgery
at 1yr old for his hip problems gave him more years to
enjoy life(and me to enjoy him). But time catches up with
us all. When Buddy was a younger boy (6 yrs ago), I had
to be treated for Breast Cancer. Through the post-op
of surgery, chemo & radiation treatments Buddy was
my encouragement to get better. Times when I came
home after a chemo treatment and had only the energy
to get to the nearest armchair , sit & fall asleep. Bud
somehow knew how I felt, and although an active pup,
would simply lie down by my chair & wait for me to
gather strength to feed him & take him outside.
Buddy & I have shared so much together, I would
hate to lose him but I will not let him linger or suffer
when "the time" comes.

Thank you Leslie, Jackie, Sue, & others who have offered
their thoughts & kind words about this...