It would be hard for me to be the only one who knew the truth while going through the experience. I could lie to my kids since it may make it a bit easier for them, but it would be much harder to lie to my husband. If I put myself in your husband's shoes, and I found out, I'd be pissed. That said, I would have no trouble saying, "DH, Rover is suffering and it's time to put him down. We're being selfish by not letting him go. I can't let this go on any longer and I'm having the vet come tomorrow." One of my friends was struggling with the guilt of having to put down her cat because she could no longer afford dialysis and the cat was no longer eating or drinking. The one thing that seemed to help her let go is that I pointed out (which we all know) is that pets are "here and now" beings. They aren't hanging on to see the birth of their grandchild or hoping for a cure. They don't feel the guilt of leaving loved ones behind and they aren't afraid to die. They live life to the fullest and give unconditional love. When it's time for them to let go, they don't have any regrets.