I've had to make this choice for my loving companions several times over the last few years. Pretty much, most of my four legged babies are entering their geriatric years and all of the problems that go with age. But it doesn't really matter how long they have been loved by you, what matters is that you do love them. My Daddy,love his heart, always was there to tell me that if you truly love a pet,you have to love them even more to let them go.Even as he was on his deathbed, he made me promise that I never let any animal suffer needlessly.My heart goes out to you and yours for making the final choice. Just always remember that you love him enough to let him go.If your heart doesn't hurt over the loss of one of God's blessed creatures, you wouldn't be the wonderful person that you obviously are. Here for support any time you need it.