It's probably a good thing I don't have the power to do that. As for making the tough decisions about when to let pets go -- it's never, ever easy. But it helps to have some agreements and principles in place. Our vet has pointed out that our super-sweet cat Bandit (currently healthy and very happy) has a congenital heart condition, for which he could have exploratory surgery. We've said no thanks. He may not be here for a long time, but we'll do our best to see he's here for a good time.