helping them to cross over humanely is often the last gift we can give
them in thanks for all the love they've given us. it's also often the
hardest choice we ever have to make, because it means we have to place
THEIR comfort before our own. something that helped me a lot when i've
questioned whether i did the right thing, whether it was too soon or
not soon enough was this: that it is better to let them go a day too
soon rather than 5 minutes too late. for anyone who's ever had to drive
45 minutes to the vet's with a screaming, convulsing cat in the seat
next to you, you know what i mean....
i've had cats transition in just about every way possible--at the
vet's, at home with a vet's help, on their own in my arms, on their own
in a place of their choosing in their own home. i've come to respect
their needs and desires, and to try to really put my own aside--i took
on the responsibilty for their gentle safe dying the day i took on
sharing their life. i don't believe i've ever sent anyone on who was
not well on their way; i have definitely, in the earlier days, kept
them here with me longer than i would now. each time, i've done the
best that i could with the information available to me at the moment;
hopefully, i've learned from each experience.
my choices are MINE; everyone has to listen to their own heart and try
to hear what their animal companion is telling them. i support everyone
in doing what they need to do, whether it is the same choice i would
make or not.
--
MaryChristine
AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
ICQ: 289856892
