NFT: Sad Times; Putting My Dog to Sleep

Sorry for another thread on the topic, but I think I now understand it's cathartic to be able to talk about it, to come to grips with it.

My wonderful and faithful companion, Tiki, our West Highland Terrier, has fought a good fight against inoperable bladder cancer for the better part of a year. He was diagnosed almost a year ago to the day with his affliction, and at the time, we were told it could be a few weeks to a few months. So, we've been fortunate he retained his spirit, his appetite and his feisty Westie attitude until recent days. He's steadily declined since last Saturday where he has almost stopped eating; he shakes frequently; has lost a significant amount of weight and is grumpy more often...which I know is because he is now in pain. We never thought the day would come, but we'd always been in agreement that when his quality of life was impacted, we'd do right by him. And today, we reached that conclusion.

I love him dearly, and he's been with us almost 12 years; wonderful years. He's been a great "big brother" to our triplets, who are a year to the day younger than him. He's gotten to see two Super Bowl wins, run on the beach in the Outer Banks, ride in boats, and chase all the squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits a puppy could ever want. We'll be taking him in Friday at 1pm, after getting to (hopefully) enjoy a turkey dinner tomorrow followed by a king's lunch Friday (assuming he wants to partake!). I will miss him dearly. My sweet puppy is pictured below with my son, Ryan.