I felt I had to add a poem that my vet gave to me when I lost my 7 year old goldie some years ago following a tragic accident. The poem really upset me at the time but the more I read it, the more it helped:

If it should be I grow frail and weak,
and pain should wake me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done,
for this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
don't leave your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
what is to come will hold no fears.
You'll not want me to suffer so,
when the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see,
it is kindness you do to me.
Although my tail it's last has waved,
from pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
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I know you posted this some time ago but I have just read it and shed a wee tear. It actually reminded me of my cat that I lost 19 months ago and we had had 17 happy years together. I so desperately wanted to keep him alive but it would have been so selfish on my part. It was just "doing the deed" that totally destroyed me although he was seriously ill and nothing else could be done. I have printed this out and when I read it I can almost hear him miaow. Thanks for posting it.

CG