Tigger,
sadly we are put into the role of playing God when a relationship such as that of an owner and his pet is put at a perilously dangerous position. I have never forgotten the feelings I had when I decided to have our family pet euthanized. 18 years old (the age of a college student) but necessary, by a non-emotional stand point. I've regretted that day ever more as I said goodbye to someone who held such a pivotal part in my life and my families make up.
Our relationship with our beloved pets is something closely akin to that of a parent to a child: we feed them, give them shelter, tend to their health needs - what we get back is nothing but love and devotion. How can you NOT feel crushed when, after at least a decade of co-existence, you opt to lose yourself of something that only gave you love and devotion.
In the end, you did the right thing by not letting your loved one suffer any more. That can only be meritous.
My prayers are to you and your pet, who now resides in a better place than the most recent afflictions she suffered. I'm confident, just by the fact that you chose to post this here, that you gave this dog the best life that someone else could nary give. Know too that, to the end, your animal loved you unconditionally.
It gets better, but it hurts a whole lot too in the beginning.
Heal fast, stay positive, and think of the wonderful times of the past. It all gets better, someday.
Darren
