There is a paragraph in one of Dean Knootz novels that really hit home for me. If you are a Dean Knootz fan as I am you have already read this. For those of you who may not have here it is. From the Novel
"The Darkest Evening of the year"

Dogs lives are short, too short, but we know that going in. You know the pain is coming, your're going to lose a dog, and there is going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share or delight in her innocence, because you can't support the illusion that a dog can be your life long companion. There's such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while aware it comes with an unbearable price.

No words were more true for Kayla and me. I always knew that our time together would end. I also knew that there would be great anguish. Cold hard angush. Yet I gave her all my love. 15 long wonderful years. I would not change that. I would do it all over again knowing fully well the anguih to come.

My beautiful Kayla may you find joy and comfort in our Lord Jesus Christ. 7-3-94 to 8-5-09