I hope someday my life will end so beautifully! Buffy was beyond amazing, even for a Belgian Malinois. We had had her for 15 1/2 years, from the age of 5 weeks; she was our war hero and medical service dog. After years of physical therapy and medications for degenerative spinal stenosis, the disease and pain finally incapacitated her. Buffy fought the good fight, never complaining, always wanting to work. She was more than a daughter to us, and I dreaded what might happen at the end. We had spoken at length to Dr. Killian, who spent a great deal of time answering all our questions. Due to Covid, we could not have a house full of guests, but two witnesses were allowed. Dr. Killian (who I called the “Vet Vet”) showed great respect for our home and our baby. He did not rush us, but looked at the pictures and articles I showed him, so that he could better know his patient. After a gentle examination, he decided to change the choice of medications a bit. He stood aside respectfully while we spoke to Buffy. Then he introduced himself to her, and knelt behind her so that we could be in front of her. Even her younger brother, our Mal-ffunction was there, sitting between us. Dr. Killian stroked her and spoke gently to her, telling her at each stage what he was going to do. I held my baby’s head and sang to her and spoke to her. As promised, he first took away her pain – she was still alert and responding, and we were allowed some final time with her. Then he – very, very slowly, ended her life. She did not whine or jerk – she simply went to sleep, and then died in her sleep. Dr. Killian waited for us to put her on a bier and place a flag over her, then helped my husband and the other veterans carry her out. I don’t remember everything he said, but I remember that he showed respect and strong sympathetic emotion throughout our ordeal. All our wishes were followed, and – most importantly – he showed consideration and respect for Our Girl. I hope that someday they change the laws so that Dr. Killian can send me off in such a peaceful way.