Oh Dan, I'm so sorry to hear about Doc. I had to force myself to open your message, because I knew what it would do to me. I can relate all to well to what you and your family are feeling right now. These animals, who love us so unconditionally, do take a piece of our heart with them when they die. Even though you know it was the humane and loving decision, and one which was most certainly made for Doc, not for you, the pain is strong and unwavering. It's been almost a year since I had to allow my Shadow to escape from the pain and loss of mobility that had crept into his life and I still tear up when I look to the places where he is supposed to be. To have confined him to his suffering would have been selfish and cruel, but to lose him was so hard....
To make things even harder, our surviving dog had never spent a day as an "only" dog. He was lonely, depressed and sad. Smaug came from one of the top breeders in the country, from a home full of dogs, and he truly missed the companionship. However, another trip to Memphis was not in the cards, and Beth didn't have any litters currently "on the ground" so we contacted the breeder of our very first Keeshond, knowing she was no longer actively breeding. She'd done her thing, had produced a Westminster winner, and her back was shot. She graciously allowed us to bring one her own dogs from her last litter ever into our home. Ellie (aka 'Ell's bells or Ellie-belly) is no Shadow, that's for sure. But she's funny, and cuddly and wonderful in her own right. And so, the circle continues.
Know that many have shared in your tears for Doc, and treasure the memories of him.
.....
Doc was such a beautiful boy. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
