Ted,
I too have a close relationship with the animals in my life, and your moving and sensitively written account brought a film of moisture to my eye.
If one looks at the nature of the mails in response to Ironstein's postings, its reveals an outpouring of sincere emotion on the part of the people who are members of this site. It is uplifting and encouraging to witness the human spirit at a time of sadness...even if it is the death "of only a dog"
I salute the people who have replied to this post and Ironstein I understand the loss of your beloved dog.
Kevan