I lost part of my heart 3 yrs. ago when I lost Duffy, a 13 yr.old mini schnauzer. My big and tough, adult son, a Police Officer, drove me to vets that morning, but left the room when the vet entered. Altho he is also an EMT, I felt he wanted to avoid what he thought would be a stomach turning, "icky" affair. So, I held Duffy in my arms while he sighed a peaceful, contented last breath and cried my eyes out. The vet, and vet tech joined in the crying and I said good-bye. My son dropped me off at work without a word; I grieved, got on with life, and subsequently adopted 2 older miniature schnauzers, one with special needs. Only now, 3 years later, did I learn of my son's grief in losing a dog who shared his childhood. He contained his own cries of sorrow to steady me, but I feel he showed bravery to a fault. Cautiously, he speaks of that time, and smiles at our dogs now. The importance of grieving cannot be ignored or even minimized. Please cry for the loss of a pet, allow someone to pat your back and say "I'm sorry". Rainbow Bridge probably evolved because someone could not, or would not, contain tears for their beloved pets. Good for us all!