Good-bye Dear Canine Friend

Yesterday, our vet, Dr. Ward, said that it's time to say good-bye to my friend... my canine friend. Blarney has been with me since 1990. That's eons in dog years. So why is it so hard to say good-bye. He's been around longer than most of my friends, co-workers and husband. I don't know how to say good-bye to him. It's like loosing my child almost. My dear husband is afraid this will "undo" me in a big way. I think I just need to have a period for my grief to pass. It might be a long time, but I'll get through it. It's not like Blarney is suddenly sick. He's been having problems now for months. I have been dreading this day. Now I have a weekend to come to terms with it and Monday afternoon it will be over. We've given it the good fight. He's had lots of pampering, love and attention over the years. And I'll miss him, even his bad behaviour. Barking in the middle of the night. Peeing and pooping on the floor. Being a bit testy at times, but never biting. I plan to have him cremated and his ashes will join Natchez in our small atrium. Two really good dogs. Both loyal and dear. Good-bye dear friend.