Florence,

I can relate so much to what you're saying. I am so sorry that the same thing happened to you. Just know that you did what you had to do. I felt like I betrayed my trusting and loyal little baby. I can only hope that they can forgive us. But I like what the one poster above said, the time you and your baby were together, he felt nothing but compassion and love. That really gave me a lot of comfort.

You and your baby had a special love together, remember that happiness and all the special things you did for him. A dog-loving friend of mine said to me, this is a price we pay for being so close to our special friends. Even a dog who lives to a ripe old age will most likely die before us. But all of us who love dogs would take that over not having that wonderful love at all.

Be kind to yourself. Cry as much as you need. Immerse yourself in something you enjoy. I have been reading the new Harry Potter book, and it's good for the soul! I also have been working on a scrap book to honor the memory of Darby.

Take care of yourself and know that there are others who understand completely how special your dog was and how much you love him!