It's a terrible decision.....the size of our wolfhound had me get her to the vet a day early....I knew we couldn't pick her up & carry her.....so hard with a large breed, but we love them dearly.....My airedale, Skip, put his head in my lap and looked at me so pitifully, I knew it was time.....I was hysterical all the way to the vet's, but he was accepting.