Final day of Dogs death

Question
Dr. Fry - My maltese Alex passed away on Mother's Day (he was 12 years old).  My vet was very compassionate when I brought him in, however, I was so upset that I just didn't get a chance to ask this question.  Alex was diagnosed with liver disease 2 1/2 years ago and 3 months ago, a mass was found in his stomach. The morning of his death, he was constantly pacing the floors and he lost a lot of blood through his rectum.  He was clearly in pain and lifeless.  My question is:  I feel quilty because I didn't take him to the Vet on Saturday when I first noticed his discomfort and my fear is I let him suffer - was there anything I could have done differently?  and was this a symptom of him bleeding internally? I love him so much and I can't stop thinking of him and worry that I held off too long taking him to the Vet.  Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hindsight is 20/20.  You did what you felt was right at the time.  Stomach cancer is never an easy thing for a pet or a person to go through.  Bleeding at the rectum may have been a sign that the cancer had spread and not necessarily internal bleeding.

As long as you gave him lots of love for the 12 years you had him, then you did everything you could for him.  He is at peace and not in any pain now.  Take comfort in knowing that Alex was a beloved pet and companion to you and vice-versa.

My sympathies,
Dr. Fry