We have lost two labs. My kids were devastated. But, as said above, they can, will, and need to process this.

A shocker and frankly welcome development when my last pup died was my oldest child, who has autism, cried. This was a very big deal. And, I think, healthy.

It has been 4 years. We still miss him.

Good luck with Bagel!

This has probably already been said, but I'd wager the kids will be more upset later if you fail to tell them now. Treat them like the adults they are.

_

I have done this at home twice now and agree, it was a much better experience. All these best through this period with your pup. Caring for an aging dog is tough but rewarding.

Thanks, we will have to check on this with our vet. However, the missus isn't his biggest fan after seeing him in public yelling at his wife and kids. Yikes

I live in a relatively small community and there are a couple of providers who basically do nothing but vet house calls, mostly for euthanasia. May be time to change vets anyway.

UPDATE:

Unfortunately our dear Bagel (the beagle) went to her heavenly reward yesterday. On Wednesday night after midnight, I got up (probably to go pee) and stepped in a pile of puke. I noticed Bagel standing at the door to the room where the outer doggy door is located. She wasn't making a sound.

It was a rough night and honestly, I thought she would pass on overnight while we comforted her. But she held on until late yesterday afternoon when we ended up taking her to the vet where she was euthanized.

Up until Wed when we went to bed she was as active and normal as she has always been. I'm guessing that the cancer turned a switch late that night and she took a drastic turn. Yesterday, she barely moved and didn't eat. Just sat there looking at us knowing that the end was near.

Thank you all for chiming in on this thread and the kind thoughts.

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Sorry to hear Bagel has moved on. It sounds like you had 6 years of joy together.

So very sorry to hear about Bagle. My deepest condolences. It really sucks to lose a small furry member of the family.

Sorry to hear but when it's time they let you know . Bagle is in his new home now playing with everyone else's furry friends .

Sorry to hear about this. My Gracie is 25% Beagle. She sends her love.

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Sorry for your loss, Matthew but thanks for handling things in her behalf - that final act of love is hard but is so important. Bagel is playing with my 2 girls who I'm sure met her at the bridge, no doubt!

So sorry to hear about Bagel. That is a heartbreaking experience for her two-legged friends to live through, but I believe dogs understand and accept the cycle of life better than we do. She is happily playing on the other side of the bridge, waiting for you.

There are some really fine writers here, DavidI among many others that make this site...what keeps me coming back is the amazing animal IQ here, the touching stories of our relationship with animals.

Thank you, Matthew, for taking the time to love on your Bagel. Now we get to as well.

Best.

Matthew, I am so, so sorry.

You and your family cared for Bagel, you loved her, and in the end your last act of love toward her was a great kindness.

Sorry to hear of Bagel's passing. She got some bonus time after her diagnosis, not that it makes it easier to lose a furry family member.