[Bygracealone]

Hammer,

I was once told by somebody that when you bring a pet into your home you're inviting a small tragedy into your life. Indeed, this is true. You're at the tragic part of it now. Knowing this why do we do it? Well, you have 10 years full of reasons why.

We had to put down a dog a couple years ago and we only had her a short while, but it still tore us up. We have a 10 year old lab now and I'm dreading the day we have to put him down. That day will come (Lord willing, I will outlive him) but until then I'm going to make a special effort to enjoy every moment we have with him so that I will have plenty of memories to bring to mind when he does finally go.

Hang in there buddy. This is something that only time will heal.

My heart goes out to you and the Mrs.