Pastor…I’m am so sorry do hear this. I just find it so amazing how we can get so attached to an animal and include them as part of our family. We have a small dog who is not in the greatest of health right now being 14y/o and I am dreading the day when it comes…especially for my wife. IMO dogs are truly ‘Mans’s Best Friend’. They give absolute unconditional love no matter how bad a day you had…they are always there to greet you regardless of any conditions. I had a dog when I was younger and had to make the decision of putting him down. It wasn’t much of a decision because he was in constant pain but to actually say ‘yes it is time’ was one of the hardest moments of my life…and then not having him greet me wagging his tail when I got home(he was basically bed ridden at that point) was a crushing blow to my heart.
I feel for you my friend and thats a position that all dog owners will have to be in at some point.
But ask your self this…and I tell my wife the same…‘Did I give Arlo the best time he could have during his short life, was I the best daddy for him while he was here, did he have fun while living?’ If yes…than you did your job as a parent for him and you know that Arlo is grateful for that.
I pray for our little Spanky everyday and that I ask God to give him comfort(he has numerous health issues) and I ask God to let Spanky know that mommy and daddy are here for him no matter what.
I’ll pray for you and your family’s comfort so that God can give you strength to make it through this difficult time. I pray the best for you and your family and that God give you faith in knowing that no one could have done a better job as parent for Arlo.