It’s totally up to you.
I just wanted to close the story for you nice people who have offered many kind words of advice and comfort.
The deed has been done. The doctor had some trouble finding a vein in which to administer the drugs. Charlie’s circulatory system had so collapsed that he had limited blood flow in nearly every area. Actually, it was amazing that he was still alive.
Charlie, for his part, was still his warm, happy self right up to the end. He seemed more upset that his people were upset than anything else. He didn’t want to leave us without fixing whatever was bothering us so much. Even the doctor had tears in his eyes. Charlie was a special doggie.
We opted to bury the body in our yard, near a tree planted in honor of our son.
Thank you all for the information, advice, and kind words you have offered.
Charlie was a good dog.
{{Drum God}}
Thanks for sharing the end of the story.
(((hugs))) One of the hardest things a pet owner will ever face.
I have not read thru this thread, cause I wanted to rush in here and give my 2 cents. I’ve done both extremes and everything in between over the years of having lots of pets. My best experience putting a pet down is when our vet gave us some pills–valium type stuff I think, or narcotics of some sort- to give our dog at home. Mellowed him out big time. Ride to the vet was a pleasure and he loved all the attention and good food in his final days 
Apologies if this has been stated a million times already.
Thank you for sharing the rest of the story. You did the right thing. How nice that you are able to bury him in the yard near your son’s tree.
Thank you for the update - it sounds like you did the best you could do for your good buddy. Rest in peace, Charlie. If you meet a cantankerous orange and black calico, say hi to her for us (but watch out for her swipin’ paws).
We only get to keep dogs for a short time – except for inside us.
((Drum God))
RIP Charlie.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending supporting thoughts your way.
Hugs to you all. I know how hard it is. I’m still grieving over my sweet 15-year-old Boston who was put to sleep almost two years ago. The vet’s office got a pawprint before they sent her off for cremation. When I got her ashes back, there was a lovely card, signed by all the staff at the animal hospital, with her pawprints on the front. I took it to work, scanned the paws, and then took the scan to my tattoo artist. My furbaby’s paws are tattooed on my leg, as if she dipped her feetz in ink and jumped up on my leg, as she did so often. Every time I look down at that tattoo, I see my little smooshy face staring back up at me.
So sorry for your loss. There’s nothing in the world like a good dog.
A bit over a year ago, we had to have one of our eldest cats put to sleep. (His health had become terrible over the year and he was in pain.) We were able to pet him (he was purring) while he was injected and just…went to sleep. As corny as it sounds, I actually felt him leave.
It was a very emotional moment for both Hallboy and myself, however, I don’t regret being there for him until the very last breath. He loved us and I look at it as our last gift to him–to have been there, petting him, telling him how much we loved him.
And I have to stop typing now…too many tears.
My best to you and your family. I have only been through that process once, and had not spent anywhere near as much time with our Albert as you had with Charlie, and it was still one of the most deeply rending experiences I’ve ever had.
I’m am glad that Charlie no longer suffers. May you and your family all find peace quickly.
hugs You done good, Drum God.
sniffle I’m so sorry, though 
My vet has a special room set up just for this. A fake fountain, fake plants, and piped in ambient music. Just makes me cry to enter this room. Nothing is better for a pet.
You hold them in your lap, or if a big dog, their head in your lap. And the vet gives the last two shots. You have all the time in the world, before then. Everything is paid for in advance, of course. I’ve said good-bye this way several times. Oh, they give you a clay foot print of your pet with its name punched in, which you bake off at home for a keepsake. Very Sweet.