re: How did y'all deal with putting a dog down

First off...sorry to hear your family friend is not well.
I've had three dogs in my adult life and luckily for me the first two just went "clunk" one day of old age.
The last one, a female Scottie, was different. She had a mass on her liver that all involved believed to be cancer. I let her go about a week to long and regret that still today 3 years later. I didn't let on I was crumbling inside to her as we drove to my vet or while I held her as she passed. I left with tears in my eyes and took a long ride, almost a 100 miles and mourned the lost of a loyal animal. Before I got home I was only remembering her life with a smile. The worst part for me was the ride over because I wasn't sure she was ready...keep thinking she would improve. I know now I made the best choice for her. After a good cry on that drive, I've never had a bad thought about her. Only stuff that makes me smile. Good luck!