Lucy's Time Is Coming..., Feeling scared and sad Options

[Caroline]

Hi- I haven't posted in awhile. I found this website when I found out that my chocolate lab, Lucy, had been diagnosed with lymphoma a month ago. We put her on prednisone and the last 3-4 weeks have been great. She regained her energy and appetite, but we knew it would be temporary. She has really declined this week and we have decided to have her euthanized on Saturday at home with us.
I am feeling very scared and sad about the whole thing. I know in my heart it is the right thing, but it doesn't offer me any comfort. I can't imagine my life without her. I have read some people's stories about their experiences with euthanizing their little ones and this has helped me prepare somewhat. I would be grateful for any other advice from those of you who have had to make this agonizing decision.
We plan on taking our girl to the beach for one last swim on Saturday. It is hard to believe that this is all real. She is only five and I feel cheated out of many years I had hoped we would spend together. Thank you again for all of the support you at LS have given. Everyone at LS was so kind to me when I initially posted after getting Lucy's diagnosis. I was in complete shock and walked around in a daze for more than a week. Now all I feel is a huge pit in my stomach that won't go away. I know the worst is still to come. I had hoped not to have posted this message for awhile, foolishly thinking that we were going to have more time with her.
Thanks again for listening and for being a shoulder to cry on. It makes me feel better knowing that Lucy will live on through this website.
Caroline

[Ann H]

Oh Caroline I am so very sorry that Lucy's time has come and I cried many tears when I read your post. My heart is breaking right along with yours. I was praying that she would have more time with you. My little Snookie passed away on her own but we had to put Chili Bean to sleep. It only took a minute or two and she passed real peacefully in my arms.

I hope that you are able to hold Lucy while the vet is helping her cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. Tell her how much you love her and what she means to you before the vet gets there. Look into her eyes before the vet gives the shot and then you can tell her you love her as she is going it does not take very long.

I guess the only thing that might bring you comfort now is that Lucy will not be in pain. Although it will break your heart you will be giving your precious girl Lucy the most loving gift you can give her to free her from her pain. Your love will carry you through the process and if you are like me it will feel more like someone else doing what has to be done. Just let those tears roll down your face, don't even worry about brushing them away. Your vet will understand.

I went and got some play dough and made a paw print of Snookie and I am so glad I have that and I hold it and kiss it and cry. You might do something like that. I did not bake it in the over after I had her step on it I just let it dry on its own. It took a while for it to dry but it eventually did after some time. Right after I made it I put a hole in it so I could hang it on the wall. I also clipped some of Snookie's hair, some to put in a locket and some I sealed in an envelope.

That is wonderful that you will take Lucy to the beach one more time. If there is anywhere else she loves to go take her there too if she is able to go. Hug her, embrace her and smell her fur do anything you can that will make a memory that you will treasure later on. I am just so so very sorry that you have to go through this. Hugs
Love, Ann