[observer]

Laurie,

You said: "I do not want him to suffer, but I don't think that I can put him down voluntarily. I wish I could just wake up one day and he would be "sleeping" quietly but be gone."

I'm so sorry you are in this spot, but you have to understand what he would go through if you just wait for him to pass away on his own.

MK has it right here:

"It is sure to be the hardest day of my life!!! But that is my responsibility and my duty to this loving animal who has given me the unconditional love, loyalty, and true companionship throughout the last 7-1/2 years. She's made me happy, she's made me proud!! I owe her the dignity she deserves. And she will have it, regardless of how hard it is for me........as this is not about meI "

It is, in fact, the hardest thing you will ever do. If you can't do it alone, take someone with you. If you can't do it at all, find someone who can (I held a friend's dog (who loved me too) in my arms at the vet, as my friend just could not handle it). You owe Lucas that grace.