If you've ever had a pet, then you know the attachment you develop to them is in no way diminished by the fact that they have four legs instead of two. In fact, the differences between our pets and our family are sometimes what make them more endearing. Although they can't technically talk to us, they speak volumes. They communicate their needs and their unconditional love from their infancy until the day they die.

A Life Span of Love

Cats generally live longer than dogs, but even they seldom live longer than twenty years, so odds are that at some time in your life you will be the one to say goodbye. In many cases, you are also the one to choose the time of their departure. Unlike the case for humans, it is socially acceptable for people to decide when it would be merciful to put their pets to sleep.

How Do You Know When

When we are in tune with our pet's behavior, we can usually sense when they are not well. Even the most subtle change in behavior, if it extends past a certain point, should warrant further investigation. Like humans, pets develop diseases, and your vet can evaluate the severity of the condition and recommend a course of action.

It's Up to You

Sometimes, a vet's prognosis is less than definitive. Perhaps Your pet has an incurable disease, but it might be possible to extend the pet's life with expensive treatment that will be a heavy financial burden. Also, knowing that your pet is on "borrowed time" has to be weighed. Even if the doctor assures you that your furry friend is not in pain, the quality of his life is something to consider. Although your vet might have a recommendation about what to do, ultimately the decision is up to you.

Watch, Look, and Listen

If you have decided to take medical steps to make your pet as comfortable as possible, the next decision is whether to leave him with the doctor or to take him home with you. Unless the medical attention he needs is very severe or complicated, most pet owners choose to take their animals home. At that point, with no prior education or experience in nursing, it becomes your responsibility to be observant. Naturally, the most obvious things to monitor are their eating and sleeping.