My German Short Hair Pointer was 13 when I put him down. The year or two before that, we had ups and downs, days when he couldn't get around so good, but then the next day he acted like a puppy again. We camp a lot and always take the three dogs with us. We went away for a weekend with the dogs and Dagger was great. For some odd reason, I made the comment that this may be Dagger's last camping trip. I guess something told me something. We came home and he seemed fine. The next morning he was unable to get up, etc. I had to carry him outside. He just collapsed. Could not get him up to do his business or anything. He looked at me laying on the grass and I knew that it was time to put my best buddy down. I had him as a pup, so this was very painful for me to do.
I immediately called my vet. She was just getting ready to go on a large animal call. She said if I left right away, she would wait for us. I took him in and she knew too by his condition that it was time. She was so compassionate. The last few years of his life she would always refer to him as "Old Man". I was so touched that she waited for us as I believe she had a special place in her heart for him also.
Anyway, we had him cremated at my husband's suggestion as he didn't think I could handle bringing him home and burying him. I'm so glad we did that because he is forever on my fireplace mantle. A couple of weeks later I got a letter from the vet. She had made a donation in his memory to the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. Well, the tears came again.
I think of Dagger often knowing that he is in a better place.
I hope your parents come through and see things your way. I will say a prayer for you tonight.