About the only thing I can say when one loses a friend, in my case it was Erwin, mostly collie. is, well just think, no matter what, it's a trip we all make. We all die. So in a way that makes it just a bit easier. My understanding of the death process is that there may be a point in death when everything is so peaceful and right. (perhaps the endorphin release in the brain) Be it human or be it some other life, we all die the same,,, and we all die. As far as what goes one after death, I don't know yet, but it must be the same for all. either all creatures have souls or all creatures have no souls. Haven't figured it out yet.
As far as placing blame on yourself? We can second guess ourselves to death, but it does no good. One can never read the future and know what one must do. Oh of course I do the same thing. What if, What if I had done things differant. It don't matter. My four legged love and your four legged love are as,, we,the same, and we all leave here relatively soon.
And I am also very sorry. Its been over a year now and I still cry.
Oh, and one other thing. People don't understand and say "its only a dog". People like that leave my presence rather quickly, for I get quite upset and if they continue their disrespect, the get an earful if they are lucky.
So perhaps you are the only one that hurts over your loss, but for your dog, that is more than enough. You love your dog and that is all that matters.
Think also, perhaps all your four legged friend knew was all good, maybe not ever having to suffer what you are going thru now.
Now I am in tears.
Hope this helps out some
Thank you so much
Dave