Jaime posted about this website in yesterday's fml; if you missed it, I
hope you have a chance to look at it today:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/annie.html
 
It's from a dog to her family, thanking them for letting her go when it was
her time.  This page also has a link to a very helpful page on what's
involved in euthanasia, written by a vet:
http://www.thepetcenter.com/imtop/euthanasia.htm
 
The Ferret Assoc. of CT (FACT) website also has an article on letting go:
http://www.ferret-fact.org/
go to "informational brochures"
then "Letting go"
 
I have spent my life taking in animals who needed homes--mostly cats, more
recently ferrets (with a couple of dogs for good measure).  I am not a
shelter, but like anyone who takes in strays, I have have had to say
goodbye to more animals than the average person.
 
It's never easy, no matter how many times I've done it.  In the beginning I
would do everything posible to keep an animal alive, or hope they would die
in their sleep.  Unfortunately, they often don't.  There have been several
animals I wish I had let go sooner; I don't ever remember one who I felt I
had put to sleep too early.
 
Most people have a sense of when it's time to let go, but it's always very
difficult to make that decision.  Even though I have a very strong belief
that animals are spiritual beings and go on living after their body has
died, I still find it difficult to let them go when it's time.  However, I
do believe it's the final loving act you can do for your non-human friend,
if they need your help.  I hope the information in the websites listed
above will help when you need to make that decision.
 
Here is a poem I came across several years ago; someone asked me for it
today, so I will repost it:
 
May I Go?
(by Susan A. Jackson)
 
 
May I go now?
 
Do you think the time is right?
 
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
 
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
 
So can I take that step beyond
 
and set my spirit free?
 
I didn't want to go at first,
 
I fought with all my might.
 
But something seems to draw me now
 
to a warm and living light.
 
I want to go
 
I really do.
 
It's difficult to stay.
 
But I will try as best I can
 
to live just one more day.
 
To give you time to care for me
 
and share your love and fears.
 
I know you're sad and afraid,
 
because I see your tears.
 
I'll not be far,
 
I promise you that, and hope you'll always know that my spirit will be
 
close to you
 
wherever you may go.
 
Thank you so for loving me.
 
You know I love you too,
 
that's why it's hard to say goodbye
 
and end this life with you.
 
So hold me now just one more time
 
and let me hear you say,
 
because you care so much for me,
 
you'll let me go today.
 
***
[Posted in FML issue 3211]