Updated-If you euthanized your pet step in :(

[Deleted]

It's time for me to make an appointment for my poor kitty.  I'm so sad.  I don't know if I can bear to stay...or go....
i know it's a personal decision, but if you care to share your experience I'd like to hear about it.   Most of my friends and family have not chosen to stay because in their experience it was too sad and traumatizing.  I'm sad.  

UPDATE: 
I'm still crying from last night.  My sweet Sandy is at peace now.  It was so hard, but definitely the right choice.  I stayed with her and it was so fast.  They took her out to put in the IV and brought her back to me.  They gave sedation and pushed the drug almost immediately because I believe she slipped away almost completely with the sedation alone. The vet said Sandy was so tired and hugged me.  She was ready. 
RIP Sandy 
2/14/98---2/6/15 </3

[cuddlyevil]

I stayed with her. She was tired and scared, I couldn't leave her.

She was in a lot of pain, her kidneys were failing and we couldn't let her linger.

[bbaggins]

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty.
I haven't faced this yet (although sooner than later because my pup is turning 10) but have had friends with the same options. I've had some that did, some that didn't. The ones that stayed have not regretted holding their dog while they took their last breaths nose to nose. I plan to be with my boy when it's his time because I couldn't imagine him passing away "alone".
Again, I'm so sorry. You choose what feels right for you and your kitty. ((hugs))

[sweetchix]

I'm sorry about your kitty
I've had 3 pets euthanized and was in the room each time. If I remember correctly, I held my cat throughout. I also had them cremated privately and have their ashes.

[makncheez]

When I had to put my dog down, I held him while they sedated him and then laid with him for the final step. There was no way I was leaving his side.

It was incredibly difficult, but it was something I had to do. He was so sad and sick, but I knew he just wanted me there.

I'm very sorry that you have to make this difficult decision. Big hugs.

[doriswe]

When my DD's dog needed to be put down, I was too scared to be in the room when they did it. I regret that I wasn't there for her, in her last moments.

[dragon's breath]

My cat was almost 19, but had quit eating and drinking. I stayed in the room with him. It was fast, and hard, but I had to be there with him. I made sure to bring a blanket so he wouldn't have to lay on a cold table.

[GilliC]

Feb 1, 2015 17:52:00 GMT -5 jenny1980 said:

We had a vet come to our house and I'd absolutely recommend it. It was hard but I can't imagine not having been there for Hugo.

My good friend just had to put down her cat (I loved her cat), and this is what she did. She was an emotional wreck, but she said that doing it at home really felt right, and she was happy the cat was in a familiar environment.

[Deleted]

I just came in here to give you the biggest hugs in the world!

[moolarkey]

They took my kitty to another room to put the needle in but brought her back to me before they actually administered the drugs. She was 19. I got home from work, she was laying in the dining room and tried to get up to walk to me but couldn't. She'd been going down hill for a couple weeks. I knew it was time. she was on my lap on the way to the vet's and would cry but stop as soon as I petted her and talked to her. The same at the vet. She really just even needed to hear my voice. She was my cat. My H felt bad and wanted to comfort her but she only wanted me. It was very quick and very quiet. They told us to stay with her as long as we wanted and we did for a little bit but she wasn't there, she was gone and I didn't see any point in staying. We chose to have her cremated and scattered in a wooded area that can't be disturbed for 100 years that is across the river from our home.

[abcdefu]

I don't have any advice but just wanted to say I'm sorry you have to choose:( ((hugs))

[imalwaysme79]

When I put Sasha down a year and a half ago, I chose not to be in the room. I just couldn't do it. I don't regret it. I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2015 18:08:25 GMT -5 FormerlyRR said:

I stayed in the room for the last two I had to take in. Before that, I never had a vet offer to let me. It was very gentle, and I was so happy to be there petting and loving them one last time. I will always be there going forward.

ETA: the hardest part was making the phone call to set up the appointment. 

I am having a very, very difficult time with this.  

[Deleted]

It almost brought me peace - like she was in a better place and I was there to say goodbye.

[starburst604]

I stayed in the room and was able to hold him in my arms as he slipped away. I could never have let him have that last moment with just a stranger there. It was incredibly hard but I don't regret a thing. Actually making the decision was the hardest part, once that was made I couldn't get him there fast enough because he was suffering.

So, so many hugs to you!!

[starburst604]

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or want to talk ((((blueeyes)))

[jojoandleo]

I did not stay in the room. I couldn't. I held him, cuddled with him, said my good byes, and they led him away. I just, seeing him sooo sick was hard enough as it was. It's a personal choice and you should do what is right for YOU, not anyone else.

It's been over 2 years and I cried typing this. Losing a pet is so rough, you don't need to do anything that will make it harder. If not being there until the end will make you regret it, be there. If being there will be too sad, don't do it.

[ooglie26]

I had to put my 16 year old pup down 2 years ago. I was in the room with her until the end, and wouldn't have had it any other way. I've also been with my mom when she's had to have her cats put down, within a couple of years of my step-dad passing away. I don't regret being there for any of them, and will be there for any of them in the future, if I'm able. I had my pup cremated, and helped my mom bury her cats around her property.

I'm terribly sorry that you're going through this. Knowing it was time, and actually making the call were the hardest parts of the process.

[Emerald1486]

I have not, but my friend has. I know her vet would go outside with them and let the cats lay in the grass as they passed since her cats loved being outside. She was with them each time (she has had to have 5 pets put down since I met her)

[jigsy]

When I put my childhood dig down, I help her the whole time. She was there for me for her whole life, I had to be there for her.

[lostrn]

I stayed with our dog, DH took DS (9 months old at the time) to the lobby. I'm glad I stayed, but it was hard. I have a crappy memory but even 5 years later I still remember those moments clearly. I know the vet and the vet techs would have stayed with him and given him love of we couldn't handle it but I didn't want him to be alone.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2015 20:53:57 GMT -5 jojoandleo said:

I did not stay in the room. I couldn't. I held him, cuddled with him, said my good byes, and they led him away. I just, seeing him sooo sick was hard enough as it was. It's a personal choice and you should do what is right for YOU, not anyone else.

It's been over 2 years and I cried typing this. Losing a pet is so rough, you don't need to do anything that will make it harder. If not being there until the end will make you regret it, be there. If being there will be too sad, don't do it.

Aww...this made me tear up.  Thanks.  I'm so upset and scared of doing the wrong thing.  It's giving me serious anxiety.

[Deleted]

Feb 1, 2015 20:34:50 GMT -5 starburst604 said:

I stayed in the room and was able to hold him in my arms as he slipped away. I could never have let him have that last moment with just a stranger there. It was incredibly hard but I don't regret a thing. Actually making the decision was the hardest part, once that was made I couldn't get him there fast enough because he was suffering.

So, so many hugs to you!!

Thanks.  Making the decision is really hard. I'm keep going back and forth and ultimately it's up to me.  

[onedayatatime]

So sorry you are having to make this choice - I haven't had to do it yet and have no advice but big hugs!

[celeste]

I have an old cat and it's making me tear up just thinking about making that call. I'm so sorry. We had to put our other cat to sleep a few years ago and we stayed with her the whole time. It was fast and gentle, like she was falling asleep. It was hard, but I'm glad she wasn't alone. When the time comes for my current cat, I hope we are able to have someone come to the house to do it.

[sashimi]

I had a cat named Sasha. A Maine Coon that I adopted from a non kill shelter.
She got very sick suddenly (her heart was failing). Our son was 6 Mos old at the time. So my husband took her to the ER vet. She was euthanized. From what he told me it was very peaceful and he stayed with her.
I do regret not being there. I had her since she was 10 Mos old. She passed when she was 12 yrs. Old. I will never make that mistake again.
My current cat is 14. When it becomes his time, I will be there.

Sent from my SM-G900V using proboards

[Mrs.Rad888]

DH and I had to put our old cat down this past summer. He had only been a part of my life for 7 years, but in DH's for 15, so it was easier for me. DH asked me to take care of it, because he didn't think he could. I stayed in the room while the medicine was injected, because I didn't think he should be alone. I petted him until the vet said he was gone, then I scooted him onto the bed further because he looked uncomfortable the way he was. I didn't think it would bother me as much as it did, and I can't really talk to DH about it, but it felt like such a huge responsibility, deciding when the life of an animal you have been taking care of comes to an end.
Sorry if that was such a downer, I'm not sure it was helpful. Hugs.

[winecat]

I've always stayed with them. I can't handle thinking they were alone at the end. You can stay til she is sedated and leave then if you're not sure.  If you can find someone to come to your house, that's a 'nice' option.  Big hugs. I'm so sorry.

[doglove]

I was in the room. I was actually glad because it was very peaceful. They let me sit with her for about an hour afterwards and hug on her. I'm sorry you're going through this.

[peppermint]

I can't read everyone's replies because I'm already bawling, but I held my 100 lb boy through the whole thing. It was an honor and privilege to be by his side and end his suffering in the most loving way possible, because I know he'd have done the same for me. I told him over and over that he was safe, and how much I loved him, and how he'd always be with me, because I couldn't bear the thought of him not being here anymore. He passed peacefully...and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Still, I will always, always choose to be with my babies when it's their time.

Big hugs to you. <3