Many people don't understand the connection between a pet and its owner. I have had multiple dogs, and currently have a dog and a cat, both obtained by accident. And yet, though they contribute little in material value to the home, and in fact, do there best to increase the required upkeep, it's that loyalty from the dog, and the cat, always hoping for a bit of love, for someone to pay attention to them, or play with them. She asks so little and rewards with a genuine excitement whenever we return from anywhere. She has some very bad habits (tries to escape every time the door is open and then run the neighborhood, making harmless mischief), like making way to much noise, and expecting a treat whenever she's let out back to take care of business (DW's fault, don't ask). She's a pest in the kitchen, and acts just like a terrible-two year old child. And like that exasperating human toddler, you just grow to love her.
She's getting older now, and has a lump or two that we're worried about. But I don't have the income to take her for expensive tests. So we spoil her a bit and make sure she get's attention and love. When it's time for her to go, she will be taken to the vet.
My parents had beagles, and when they were too old, or sick to enjoy life, they were taken to the woods to do what they loved best, on the last hunt.
That may sound cruel to you and I, but the animals never felt anything, and it was just the way things were handled back in those days. I don't fault either my dad or step-father for doing things that way.
But I digress. Michelemarie and kadesma; just as with our human loved ones, we care for our pets. But our society doesn't have the same respect for animal life as it does for human life. And to some degree, that's as it should be. And there are so many who would take advantage of someone's greif to make profit for themselves.
I empathize with both of you. I know what it feels like to lose a loved animal. It feels just as painful as it does to lose anyone you love. I have felt that pain. My logical side says; "hey dummy, he was just a dog."; while my emotional side caused me to cry like a baby when the dog was taken from me, and this while I was a toughened young man who just didn't cry.
Just remember to put the animal's need for eternal rest before your need to hold on to him while he suffers. I don't know or pretend to know what death brings to animals. But I know they have an intelligence, a spirit, and Heavenly father has a plan for them as well.
Seeeeeeeeya; Goodweed of the North