I may lose Shari soon........

Shari will likely hang on as long as she still sees you continuing to hold on.  The day we decided would be the last for our 22year old cat, we made the appointment for later that afternoon and cuddled her in a basket, stroking her and crying, but silently accepting that she was going to leave us.  She died as we were petting her, about an hour before her appointment.  That was 19 years ago.  She still lives on in our hearts - Shari will, too.
 
Spend that time that redbird suggested, talking to her and trying to connect with her on the soul level.  Communicate between you both and feel when it's time to let her go.  Your heart always knows before your head will accept it.  You have never failed her - you won't fail her now.

Tina, what everyone is saying is true about not letting yourself feel guilty, that what you decide to do is a decision of love, etc.  My head can give you that advice, too.  But my heart is exactly where yours is -  it doesn't matter what anyone says or what your rational mind tells you - some of us (most of us, probably) just have a harder time making the decision firmly and without any regret.  My husband had a much healthier reaction during and after our situation with Tonka.  Don't get me wrong - he shed more tears than I'd seen him shed in the 16 years I've known him.  But, he isn't one who is prone to guilt or second-guessing any decisions he faces in his life, so the letting go and grieving process has been much easier for him than it's been for me.
 
The only thing I'd tell you is something I bet everyone else here already knows, but I had no idea and wish someone had told me.  I knew an injection was given, but I didn't know the standard procedure is to first give an injection of a sedative, then followed by the chemical that stops the heart.  Obviously the sedative is a must if the pet is agitated, in terrible pain, etc.  In our case, Tonka was as calm as could be (which he always was at the vet, no matter how they poked and prodded him - he was a very mellow boy).  Since his life-threatening issue was breathing/swallowing, he tried to be even more still and calm, so the vet just said, "Usually we use a sedative, but I can see he's fine already."  We, being ignorant, said, "okay."  I will never forgive myself that all he knew was what discomfort he was feeling, then he gave a startled sound when the meds hit his heart, then nothing.  Yes, we were cradling him and talking to him and kissing him the whole time, but I didn't think about how it would've been better for him to fall asleep first.  He hadn't slept well in a few weeks, so that would've felt wonderful to him.  I hate to even describe this to you, as it makes me cry. 
 
Take care, and tell Shari there will be a very mellow guy named Tonka looking for her - he never met a husky during his time on earth (I'm just realizing that now), so he will be very eager to greet her (and he definitely loves girls, so he'll be easy for her to spot with his little harem of his dog girlfriends who went to the Bridge before him).  Hugs to you, and a special caress for Shari.

Tracy, I am blubbering over reading your post. Thanks for posting this as much as it pains you in reliving that pain again.  Hugs to you for your bravery.

It is a wonderful suggestion. One of which I will follow when the time comes for my old Tzu.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss of Tonka.

Thanks again.
Angel

Tina, my heart goes out to you. I just had to put Razen, the love of my life to sleep on Saturday. My mother actually said somethign very profound to me when I was having so much sadness, guilt and trepidation about putting her to sleep, "Euthanization is a blessing. That we can end the pain and suffering for the ones we love is the greatest gift we can give them." Don't wait untill she's in severe pain or greatly suffering. It is one of the hardest decisions you'll ever make, but make the decision for her and not for you.

I wish I were there to give you a big hug. My heart is still raw too.

Thank you for everything, and that is to everyone, even if I don't mention or know your names.
 
I posted in Rainbow Bridge, but will tell the story briefly.  I arranged with my vet to go in at lunchtime when he wouldn't have a lot of patients and owners there.  I called my best human friend and asked her to go with me.  I sat in the back seat with Shari as we drove over to the vet.  I'm so glad I did because Shari had a seizure as we were going.  I am so glad I asked my friend to go with me and drive because it would have been impossible for me to hold her and comfort her.
 
The doctor gave her a light sedative, only enough for a 30 lb dog, but its effect was almost instantaeous.  We took her into the exam room after five or ten minutes, and I hugged her and told her she would be whole again, and have lots of snow at the Bridge.  And how very much I loved her.  Then she was gone, no gasping, no struggling, just her mouth opened a little and her tongue flopped over.  No seizing, either.
 
We buried her at my friend's farm since I live in town and have a very nosy neighbor.
 
I'm okay right now - the hard part will be in the morning when I get up to walk her and she's not there.  But I will deal with that tomorrow.
 
 

Shari I am so sorry my thoughts are with you.Reading this has brought tears to my eyes. You obviously were a great mum for her to live a long and happy life.You had a very hard  heart breaking decision you had to make. In your heart you knew. No more pain for her and I'm sure she will always remember that you love her. She will be watching down on you whilst playing in the snow I'm sure.

Tina Im so sorry, I posted in the Rainbow Bridge thread... but I cant say enough how I feel for you...  it will get better.  I still cry almost every night for my Kayla, but Im the first to admit I had an incredibly hard time accepting the reality of it all.... wallowed in it, gave up on myself there for a while.  Be strong, I know Shari wants you to be happy as my Kayla did and all of our babies do when they must leave us... it just takes time. 
 
I want to add that the vet Im working for does not administer the sedative before euthanasia unless you request it... she also says its not really necessary.  I asked her why some people think its better that way.  She said it "can" startle them when the heart stops.  To me... that means its absolutely necessary!  I know its not painful for them, so for those who didnt or wont do it, it *is* still a peaceful death, just the sudden end can cause a startling gasp.  I would recommend it for those who may do this in the furture just to ensure total comfort all around for the dog.

Tina, I am just now seeing this and I am so sorry. I'm bawling my eyes out, my heart aches so bad for you. I will go check your Rainbow Bridge thread.. I hope you are doing okay..