The total came to $935, which included a weekend fee and individual cremation. Things will be tight for a bit but it was truly worth every penny.

On Sunday, we said goodbye to my 13 old JRT mix. She'd been with me for 11 years, since I was barely 18. We moved out on our own together, met my now husband together, she was in our wedding (instead of bouquets, my bridesmaids held our dogs), went to and graduated college together, bought our first house together... Nearly every major adult milestone, I did with my sweet girl at my side. She was everything to me, and being able to say goodbye how we did was so comforting and has helped me so much.

She had severe dementia and kidney failure, but thankfully, her appetite remained. On her last day with us, we took a car ride together and got Jack in the Box. My tiny 9lb girl ate nearly the entirety of a plain bacon cheeseburger, small fry, and cup of whipped cream. We sat in the sun while she chowed down, sunbathing was her absolute favorite activity throughout her life. Shortly after, the vet came to our home and euthanized her while I held her, both my husband and I petting her, and her sister at her side. It was very peaceful. The vet was extraordinary, so empathetic and kind. It was truly the best goodbye we could have asked for.

So, if you are at all able, spend the extra money to do euthanasia at home. I am so grateful we were able to do it this way and so glad that I made the choice that I did. She was the best dog and companion anyone could have asked for, and this was one small thing we were able to do to show our appreciation for so many years of love and loyalty.