Well, it sounded strange when I first read it, but have been thru it 6 times myself now, so I think there's "something to it".. When I see someone having a very rough time in spite of maby living long after a vet or 3 would have predicted, I say something like this: "If it's between you and God that it's too difficult to stay here, I give you permission to leave. I love you so much I want you to be happy, even if it's not with me. If you decide to stay here, I'll do everything I can to support you." I've had them leave, usually in their sleep, from 3 hours to 3 weeks after saying that. Mr. Spaz left as I was holding & stroking him... I just noticed that he'd stopped blinking his eyes, it was that gentle. He never got over the flu that went thru here last Aug., and had a stuffy nose for 6 months... I understand he just got tired of being tired. My prayers are with you during that very personal time. I have not yet had to assist anyone in leaving, and am thankful for that. Timmy's recipe seems to do a good job of helping them to be comfortable and have better quality of life, for which I'm thankful. Gary & the gang of fur Timmy's web site=<http://www.concentric.net/~Gferret/>; He's the ferret totally healed from "terminal lymphoma" without drugs.:) AOL instant messenger name= garyferret :)/ ICQ#4461104 [Posted in FML issue 2293]