Pain. What about the pain, the pleading look.
When they look at you, they are thinking of great love for you and asking why you let them suffer when you are now the protector. They ask; “Why aren’t you doing something to help me. I am ready to go.” (They always let us know when it’s time.)
A few years ago is was just starting to think about the time approaching for my old dog, Otis. He was a great dog, Airedale/hound mix. He was going on 17 and while not “sick”, just seemed so tired and sad. He was falling and stumbling a lot. One summer evening he walking around at twilight, and I lost track of him. He drowned in the pond about 75 yards from the house. Luckily we found him, bathed him, and gave him a nice burial.
It was painful,and I had much guilt but after a while I appreciated that he went out in a sort of natural way, on his own without the vet process(he hated his feet touched!).
Anyway you cut it, one does not get the privilege of the love of a dog without paying this price. And it’s totally worth it!!