We had our dog for 10 years before having a child. He is like a family member. Whenever we went on vacation, he always stayed with parents or in laws. We would never board or any of that garbage. He is 12 now and has a few years to go. With that being said, after our child was born, he is simply a dog. We love having him around, sleeps with us each night (which I wouldnt recommend, allowing pets to sleep in your bed) and has the good life. When he goes, I cant say I will be extremely upset and go into a depression like some people. We call him our furry child, but its nonsense. If you think a pet is the same as a human child you're delusional. And yes, we were once those people who valued our pet over people, and at that time we too were delusional.
We would pay for the service to have someone stop by the house and euthanize him whenever the time comes. Its probably only a couple hundred dollars more to do that than take him to the vet. Although he does like going to the vet. Doesnt even care when he gets shots. Ill probably dig a hole and burry him in the woods on our property. Let mother nature reclaim him instead of burning him to dust.