Where do we say "Goodbye"?

[Chris & Boys]

It seems that Boomer is getting more frail everyday, but he is still smiling when we luv him up! A while ago, I asked my vet if she could come to our home when it was time. She said she would. She said she has a friend who put down her dog and home, and now regrets it because every time she goes into that room, all she can think about is losing him there. I am wondering what other people's experiences have been?

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

OOOoooo I just went through this in April, tears in my eyes as I am writing this.So It might come out all wonky.
If you can get your Vet to come to your house do it. I can not tell you how hard it was to walk in the Vet with Payton. My Vets Staff is great, I was ugly crying whole time. I am sure the other people knew why we were there. I found out after that my Mother-Inlaws Vet would of came to our house. We have Paytons ashes. They came in a "human" box with a nice brass plate that says his info. I had my sister pick him up. My Mother in law had Snowball put to sleep outside in the yard, she planted a bunch of flowers there and she put a place maker there as well. If I could do it again I would do that. I hope this helps you and my heart is with you. Tante

[Debbie and Thomas]

Oh-I forgot to mention tht we paid for a "private cremation" so that we could have his ashes. they are in an urn right beside me as well as a piece of clay with his foorprint on it. One day I will bury his ashes-but for know I want him with us at home.

[Debbie and Thomas]

Oh Chris-how awful that you have to think about this. Our Buddy got sick and was hospitilized. Several days later we had to put him down. So he was already there and had been sedated. All I can say is that we were there with him when it happened and he just went to sleep-very peacefully. Now that I am crying my eyes out-all I can say is that I would not want to do this at home. Only because of the aftermath. My heart goes out to you and Boomer-hopefully he has many good days ahead.

[Kyoko]

I never thought about asking vet to come to the house for it, but I like the thought of it.
I am thinking it may be more comforting for both of us.... ( The dog and us, human )
It just frightens me to think of it......
I am so sorry Chris... for you to have to think of this and try to arrange this, etc.......My Heart goes out for you.....

[Lorraine Bromley]

My friend had hers put down at home. She has told me how good it was for them both. I know that we have lost our 2 cats and still have our 15 yr old dog and our new doodle. When the first cat died it was on the way to the vets in my arms. My son wanted her cremated and has her in his room. He gets a kick out of introducing his cat to people. The dog who never liked the cats,and the remaining cat were very upset. They were uneasy and whiny and clingy. They started to comfort each other and were never very far apart. Then the second cat was injured and had to have surgery that we knew may not work. Our dog was with her at home through out her injury. When she didn't make it through the surgery we took her to say goodbye with us. That was a very good decision. She went to her and sniffed and pokked her with her nose. Then she cryed a short little cry and wanted down and out of the office. She had no problems after that in missing the cat or being clingy or whiny. She seemed ok to know she was gone and understood. Whereas with the first one she didn't have any closure.
If you have other pets at home it may help them to deal with the loss if they were put down at home. It may comfort the pet as well.
I am close to this time in pure age. I don't know what we will do either. This is such a right of passage we must endure inevitabley when we fall in love with our pets who love us unconditionally. It is one of the most difficult things to go through in life. I hope for the best for you all, in your heart you will know. Give an extra hug from me to him and feel the sorrow I am sending you in your time of need.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Are you planning to bury Boomer at home? If you are, I think it would be easier to say Goodby at home also. But if you are going to cremate, you should probably do it at the vets so that you do not have to transport the body. I don't think the dog will be uncomfortable as long as you are with him. It is quick and easy, so do what is easiest for you. I prefer not having to transport the body, but that is my preference.

[Janie]

My heart goes out to you all.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

You do remember the day and the place but as time goes on your remember the good times more especially since this is not a sudden tragedy and will be a choice of humane death.
We have his handsome pictures handing on the walls and I see him for the 14+ great years, not that day he left us. We have 2 urns on the mantle. One little can and one coffee can size. This will sound strange, but I times I go and pick up his urn. Most of his life he weighed 120-140 and I never could hold him in my arms. Now I can in a can. I swear I can feel him hug me back.
We will all cry with you here on DK. Tears now. May you find some peace with this decision.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Our first few family dogs were put to rest at home...vet came to our house and we then buried them on the hill. I was little and barely remember.
Mr. Jake was put to sleep two weeks ago from today. This time, my dad took him to the vet. My sister and I cared for mom while he was gone. We were on rock patrol to put some limestones on his grave. Dad brought him back, my husband helped dad get Mr. Jake (in his favorite blanket) up the hill, and we put him in the ground.
Both mom and dad say the vet coming to the house is easier. They did not do it in the house though. They did it outside in the backyard, all dogs wrapped up in their favorite blankets. But all of our dogs loved the outside and that was their peaceful place.
It is up to you. Memories are everywhere. Mom still cries when she looks up on the hill, even though Jake was taken to the vet.
Best wishes. I know this is so, so, so hard.

[Kendra K. Rhoton]

Goodness, this breaks my heart. To think about this moment brings tears to my eyes so you are in my thoughts and prayers. If it were Remington and I had my choice it would be to put him down in our home... just because that is where he is comfortable being and I know he would be less scared. To have him put down in a vet office, which may be what we have to do, I know he would be scared and not as comfortable. You do what you feel is best for Boomer! Take care!