To everyone who wrote about their precious pet passing away...I pray for you. Perhaps I was wrong to not keep little Alex with me until the end, however I did what I thought was best. The same as you. Not one of us would have made a decision that would be unsatisfactory to the little pet. I, too, cry often as I did when I read all of your comments and answers above. My heart just breaks for you and I wish I could make the pain go away, but as we all know God is the only one in control. I believe that our pets were so very special that God wanted them in Heaven with Him until we also go to Heaven and see them waiting for us. If my little Alex had to go, I'm glad God thought he was that special and I certainly did too! By the way, there is another precious little one waiting somewhere for a "forever home" and we are the type people to love and let another pet live a wonderful life with us in our homes. They will appreciate it!  It's worth all you have to go through to make this next pet happy and know it is loved more than words can say. If we don't do it, who will?