How do you deal with an 'on the way out' pet?

I've got a 19 year old cat. Average lifespan is 16, so she has had a good run. There are problems I won't mention and I don't want any pain and suffering like humans have to deal with in order to appease our PC society. Pet euthanasia is a racket around here. I have come to hate the veterinary industry and anyone involved. Last time, I spent well over $2,000 on a wild goose chase. All the money did was make the animal suffer more and fatten some bastard's wallet. I pulled the plug when the 'vet' wanted to keep the cat for 2-weeks in the 'pet hospital' sedated and connected to IVs. And a specialist, a gastroenterologist, was recommended. WTF.

To terminate your pet legally, generally you have to schedule an appt and pay what I think is way too much. And they can deny you at the appt. The first place I called is a 3-week wait. They recommended another place, just under $200 for the euthanasia and another $100 for cremation, and it is walk-in and at least a couple hours spent there. I don't get the ashes back and don't want them anyway, but to get the ashes back is WAY more.

I'm torn and disgusted. I have the money, but something inherent in me rejects this system and way of thinking and doing business. It's illegal here to kill your pet, but I couldn't man up enough to shoot my cat anyway.

That's highway robbery. We have an old country vet that will put one down free of charge, for established clients, except the actual cost of the shot. It's already a hard enough thing to go through. When Stubby got sick, it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but it was obvious he was not going to recover. He was 16. His twin sister lived to be 18.

It's tough man. I don't know what to tell you. You're going to have to end up doing what you think is best.....and whatever that is is totally your business and you have my support regardless.

As for cremation and such, I've never done that. Since we have property, We have a nice spot in the yard for them. That's always the hardest part, too.