My Belgian Sheepdog is 13 and is in a lot of pain.?

Last night, my husband and I made the very hard decision to put her to sleep. I believe that about a week ago she had a mini stroke that affected her left side and has gone down hill since then. I am taking her to my vet on Wednesday. Now I have to tell my children, who are 9 and 11 what is happening. This is not the 1st old dog we have had to put down, so they have been through this before, but it never gets easier. My problem is that my son, 9, is highly emotional right now anyway and I am not sure how he is going to do with all of this. Obviously, we have had Maxie longer than the kids so the kids have literally grown up with her. THey both learned to walk using her as a balance. How do I prepare them for this? Especially when I am having a REALLY rough time myself.

That's really really hard...I would tell them that she hurts SO bad that this is the best thing. Tell them that she'll wait for them at the Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

That's such a tough thing to have to do, and you have my sincere sympathy. I think all you can do is to sit down with them, explain the situation, and try to talk through it with them in as honest and open a way as possible.Even so, they may not understand, nor want to accept it. Yet, I think it's something you have to do.
Again, I extend my sympathies. It's a hard thing to have to do.

I think that the way YoLo explains it is excellent . Having to put a pet down is extremely difficult on all concerned. I sympathize with you on this situation. I have had to do this before when my kids were little. Had to put down my Himalayan cat several years ago and it was really hard on our 30 year old son. Even our vet cried when we did it. Good Luck and God Bless.

Its not easy to have to make that decision, but if they are in that much pain it is time. Having children that are so attached to her makes it worse. The family is going to go through a very tough time. The thing is you ALL need to stick together and support each other. Knowing that a loving family is there feeling the same things does actually make it seem easier. Dont be afraid to talk to your friends to help you deal too. I know that as a parent it is hard to show your children a weaker side of you so allow your friends to come in there. They will support you too. You will make it through though. Be tough. Take care!!! BEST WISHES!!