They know what the last ride is about and it breaks our hearts to see the look on their face at the end. That being said I have always been with them at the end. Damn it hurts.
They should out-live us. Been there and it was not easy. Took my dog to the vet 3 times before I could go through with it. First two times I just took her back home. Vet finally told me I wasn't being fair to the dog. He was right. I was selfish and couldn't let go.