I refuse to let them die alone on a cold table in a vet's office. We had the whole family gathered around one girl, saying goodbye and hugging her in our backyard, the vet euthanized her there.
Our last dog died in my wife's arms as we called the vet to arrange things. No better way to go, and my wife was so glad she died in her home in loving arms. It's hard, yes, but we owe that to them.
I think it is different for different people. When I held my kitty in my arms and she passed, it was like a hammer to the temple for me. It took me weeks to deal with the shock.
Saying goodbye and leaving them off works much better for me, and they don’t know any different.
I respect your choice, and I hope you respect mine.
I think if you can muster up the strength to be there for them in the final moments, it makes their final moments easier.
It is harder for you in the short term, but having gone through it twice, I would suggest that in the long term you will be able to look back and say you stuck with them until the very end and they died in your presence which might be what they would want.
I’m so sorry you have this on your plate. Prayers for you.
For our first dog the vet came to our house - he didn’t like the vet’s office. Today we brought our dog into the same vet. He always loved going to the vet’s clinic to see her. We brought his bed for him to lay on, and my wife, daughter and I sat on the floor with him and pet him, talked to him and hugged him. He always loved the treats the vet would give him, and this time was no different. Hmm - no tail wagging this time though. Even just three months ago when we brought him in for her to check on him and she recommended some “end of life” things (food, medication, etc.) he wagged his tail.