FYI our next door neighbor got 18 mos in jail for shooting (euthanizing) his dog in his backyard. Now he can never legally own a handgun again and he has a felony criminal record.
Most vets are very compassionate when it comes to end of life situtations. They have drugs you can’t get that will allow your pet to pass in a very calm and humane way. Just make sure you stay there and be a part of it. We lost our cat a couple of years ago and she died very peacefully at age 19 and half with her head propped on my arm.
That's how I did it with my cats as well. They just peacefully went to sleep in my arms, with me talking to them and kissing them.
I can't imagine any other way.
I agree with the sentence for your neighbor! It just isn't humane, IMO