I don't think there's a 'one size fits all' on what will make your parents feel better. We lost our precious 10 year old poodle almost 3 months ago and it was the hardest thing I've ever gone through and I'm 66. He had not been well for 4 years but I'm an optimist and chose to believe he had more time left. DH is a pessimist and thought he was going long before he did. We both thought it best to make arrangements before hand and I'm glad we did. I ordered him a beautiful casket, almost like a human one, and we had our SIL prepare his burial spot and put a plastic container large enough for the casket to go in. Once that was done I felt no need to discuss it but DH would talk about it when any of our kids were here. I think it made them uncomfortable and I would ask him not to bring it up. Jett suddenly got worse @ 4:00 on a Friday. After getting his usual treats and meds he shortly got behind a chair where he had never gotten before and we knew something was wrong. We rushed him to the vet, he checked him and told us what had happened was actually a blessing. I secretly questioned his sanity but he meant that Jett was going quickly instead of long and drawn out. His lungs had filled with fluid and he had a tumor in his abdomen that DH had just discovered that day and he knew every bump on him since he held him pretty much the entire time he was home. The vet said we needed to let him go and I first told him I simply couldn't. He was concerned that Jett would get in trouble afterhours and he wasn't on call. I held Jett while he went to check who would be on call and to get him an injection for pain. When I realized it was better to let him go I made the decision right then to make it easier for him. I stayed with him to the end but DH couldn't. I'm saying all this to tell you that each person has to do things their own way. There's no way I would have left him though it was hard to see him take his last breath. I had always said I didn't think I would survive losing either of my 'babies' but somehow you go on. It was a horrible week, then the tears got farther apart. Now I tear up thinking about him but I know he's at peace and waiting for us. As for your parents not wanting to go anywhere, I totally understand. We didn't both leave ours for anything. Jett has a 'sister' 6 months younger and we don't leave her even though she isn't sick. While she hasn't verbally grieved (like our neighbor's dog still does after losing her partner 3 months ago) she just doesn't seem happy now. I don't know how to help her. I expected her to totally freak out when Jett left and had the vet give her a sedation injection. He also gave us meds to give her but she didn't visually get upset so I haven't given them. She has a cat to play with and doesn't seem to look for Jett but just seems sad. We also have her arrangements made, hopefully way in advance. I hope your parents have a lot of time left with him and that they can cope when the time comes. I would just suggest you listen if they want to talk about it and try to comfort them when it's his time. I have never let myself question if I did the right thing. We have to make decisions based on what we think is best and it doesn't help to torture ourselves with the 'what if's'. My thoughts are with you and your sister too.

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful, beautiful dog. I do love goldens. She looks like a wonderful friend. And your flood picture -- major ouch. Wish I could help you clean up or email you a cyber-casserole. Here's hoping the frustration and stress levels start to ease up. If you can get past that DW decision, that will probably help you feel much better -- sense of accomplishment and knocking something off the list. Keep that sense of humor going!

i just cruised this whole thread, what great pics of all of these wonderful pets!!! it's obvious each one is very loved! this is my present pack of misfits. LOL! olivia, 9 years old (a totally charming girl, loves to be hugged, stately matron sort of personality), destiny, 7 years old (a real momma's girl, a little flighty when it comes to things that are new to her but she is very accepting once she knows i'm right there and won't let anything hurt her), and of course, eden, 3 years old (probably the most "needy" dane i have ever had, as lovable as they come, can't get enough attention, so so so playful!). eden has settled in like a champ, pretty much knows her outdoor boundaries and is a total love bug!

Vee, I checked out her bibliography and found that I could only remember reading a couple of the early ones. I was never much of a fan of the sex and shopping blockbuster genre. I do realise that they gave pleasure to a lot of readers and honour her work. She was born in the same year as I was and certainly accomplished a lot. I haven't even ONE book in me!