My condolences to you and the wife JD. Mom had to say goodbye to her first ever furbaby (mostly a shitzu) due to cognitive disorders and seizures just a few months before we lost my sister to panceatic cancer. It was a VERY rough winter for my family. I settled on cats myself since they can take care of themselves a few days at a time when I have to travel for work, they've helped me immensely over the years. Mom was lucky enough to find a little half shitzu-mutt at the pound who needed rescuing right before my sister passed, I'm not sure she would have made it through without her own "Buster" to comfort her. Although he does the strangest thing, he absolutely cannot stand to hear someone crying, he will howl, yelp, and cry himself like he is in terrible pain until you stop crying. I told Mom he is just trying to commiserate with her.

Those little four legged friends do a number on your heart both for the good, and for the bad when they pass on. Don't think we're ever the same once we bond with them.

Tell the Mrs. I said "hi" and "sorry for your loss". Take good care and remember there are other puppers out there that need love too, when you're hearts are ready.