Here is a poem that I discovered for a friend who was devastated that he would have to put his best friend down. He was inconsolable that he wasn't doing the right thing even though Bear was in the final painful stages of bone cancer. He could only remember the good days when he looked at his dear friend, and not the creature who now lived in tortuous pain. This poem helped him make the decision because he knew it was out of love that he would take Bear on his final vet trip.

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then you must do what must be done,

For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.

Don't let your grief then stay your hand.

For this day, more than all the rest,

Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.

What is to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer so;

The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,

And please stay with me till the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me,

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see

The kindness that you did for me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you

Who had this painful thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years;

Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

--- Anonymous ---