You have my deepest sympathies. I know you worried about it, but I've been confident all along that you would know when the time had come for this decision, and make no mistake, it was a decision of love and compassion for Ben, for his comfort and quality of life. No matter how difficult it was for you (and I know it broke your heart), you know it was best for him, and that's your comfort in this. You took the best possible care of your friend, including his end of life care, and more than that no one could do. Ben was one lucky dog. Bless you, dear Jim.