Making the decision

[twojues]

Further to my other thread "Daughter upset" we spent half an hour chatting to the vet tonight about Harvey.

I think the time is nearly here. We also have another dog who is 7. He gets very excited when Harvey comes back from being away ie. vet visits, a very slow walk up and down the road.

What do I do with him when it is time to say goodbye to Harvey. Do I take Harvey, leaving Bailey at home, for Harvey to just "disappear" or do I take Bailey with me so he can sniff Harvey and see he has gone.

I know he is going to miss Harvey, but not sure how best to do it.

Any advice from people who have more than one dog and gone through this?

I am sorry it isn't better news, and I doubt this is any comfort, but at least you will have 'advance warning' and be able to spoil Harvey and make the most of his last weeks.

The vet can come to your house to put Harvey to sleep when the time comes. That way Bailey will be able to say goodbye to Harvey once he is gone and IME dogs accept things much more easily this way. It will also be better for Harvey, although it's obviously upsetting for family members.

I would do as suggested and let the vet come. I read something once about animals needing to see the dead body to "accept" the death. Might be a lot of old claptrap, I think it's maybe more of a personal thing.

I have always said that when the time comes for one of mine, I will have a vet come to the home, (unless a situation arises where not possible) as it is where my pet was happiest, with the family, all the family. I just think it gives everyone a chance to say goodbye, and I am one of these silly people who believe animals have feelings and wouldn't understand a friend going "walkies" and not coming back.

Sorry, waffling a bit, hope it makes a bit of sense and helps ?

So sorry, I'm not informed enough to give any advice but wanted you to know I was thinking of you.

He's obviously had a good life and a loving home - hope that can give you some comfort.