Loss and absence in death

We had to put our 17-year-old cat to sleep last week. First, why does English have such terrible words for this action? “Putting down”, “putting to sleep”. They are both terrible ways to describe such an action, but I’m not sure I have any better ideas…

I make no apology that I am pro-euthanasia, and while the rules are changing in many jurisdictions around the world, I think the decision to end a life should be on par with the decision to create a new one. I am thankful that we, and yes, I realise the power dynamic we have with our animals, have the free choice to end the suffering…