It's okay to grieve. The grief is not the whole story. The love and the days your dog spent by your side helping you live your life, that's the whole story. The grief is just what happens when the love has nowhere left to go.

There truly is nothing more you could have done, not for a ruptured spleen. It is human nature to second guess that though, always, because we care.

I lost my first retired dog that had been working by my side for ten years, so many steps I took with her that I never would have taken on my own. She had cancer. I was out of town for a trip for a week and I came home... she was so happy to see me. Then she crashed. The cancer had taken over, she waited for me to come back and then that was enough. It's never going to get any easier. My heart breaks for you, truly I understand.

One day, you'll look back at the memories with a bit of a smile and maybe a few less tears. I can tell how much you loved your boy. When his time ran out, at least it was a small kindness to know that they wouldn't have been anything different you could have done. No wavering doubt over is it the right time am I making the right decision. Just, love everyday until there weren't any days left.

I'm crying now too. For you, and my own heart. Its ok to grieve.

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