Pets

George McGovern

(11,136 posts)

14. When the time comes . . .

Mon Jan 19, 2026, 01:48 PM

Jan 19

"In my family we call this last loving act,
'liberating the spirit'.

It sounds less cold than 'euthanized', less
harsh than 'put down', and more honest
than 'put to sleep’.

It’s always hard, even when it’s right.

One of our vets once said to me that we bring our
animals into our lives, knowing we will outlive them,
but we do so anyway because life is so much better
with them in it."

Written in the Pets Forum some time ago.

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niyad

16 replies

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Highlight:

Willow is slowing down. [View all] ShazzieB Jan 18 OP

So sorry. Enter stage left Jan 18 #1

Thank you. ShazzieB Jan 18 #4

Very sorry. Sounds like Willow is very loved Whyisthisstillclose Jan 18 #2

Yes, she is very much loved, thanks! ShazzieB Jan 18 #3

I'm so sorry, Shazzie. 🥲 sheshe2 Jan 18 #5

Thanks. ShazzieB Jan 18 #12

The hardest part SuzyandPuffpuff Jan 18 #6

I know exactly what you mean about enjoying every moment. ShazzieB Jan 18 #13

It's a hard thing to go through. byronius Jan 18 #7

I'm so sorry Laurelin Jan 18 #8

I'm glad and I'm sad. JMCKUSICK Jan 18 #9

Willow is in good hands. Dear_Prudence Jan 18 #10

I am so sorry, ShazzieB. I had a cat for over 20 years brer cat Jan 18 #11

When the time comes . . . George McGovern Jan 19 #14

"Liberating the spirit" - I like that! ShazzieB Jan 19 #15

So very sorry, ShazzieB. You will know when the time is right. Know niyad Jan 20 #16