Cris Cristofaro looks over a puppy photo of his dog Dino as veterinarian Wendy McCulloch prepares to perform an in-home pet euthanasia. Cristofaro, a New York City artist, made the difficult decision to end Dino's life when oral cancer became unbearable for his 12-year-old Italian Spinone.

Cris Cristofaro holds his dog Dino as veterinarian Wendy McCulloch checks his heartbeat after performing an in-home euthanasia on Thursday. End of life issues have become increasingly important for pet owners, as advanced medical treatments and improved nutrition are extending pets lives well into old age. McCulloch runs Pet Requiem, a home veterinary service designed to provide geriatric care and in-home euthanasia for dying pets in the New York and New Jersey area. Many pet owners are choosing such in-home care to try and provide a humane and compassionate "good death" for their beloved pets.

Cris Cristofaro weeps over his dog Dino after veterinarian Wendy McCulloch euthanized the 12-year-old Italian Spinone.

A veterinarian holds Tzvika, an injured female turtle, at the Wildlife Hospital in the Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv on January 5, 2011.

Tzvika, an injured female turtle, walks with the aid of her newly attached wheels at the Wildlife Hospital in the Ramat Gan Safari near Tel Aviv on January 5, 2011.