Sorry to hear of your loss, Dan. It always hurts, but you gave her a brilliant life, and when it was time you made it as kind as you could possibly manage. Good life, good memories and love to the end. We can't do more really.
Good on you teaching the youngsters how to deal with it well too. That's a kindness for the future and their pets.
M
Thanks Mary. Read on after Jannes post below for the full story about the kids.
Sorry to hear about the loss.
It was a good thing of you to let your family say goodby.
Before the youngest grandson, Carson, was born, My daughter Nikole and the eldest, James, lived with me for a few years back when I first rescued Dinah. James was about 4 years old and had just moved in with us after Nikole won custody (after a nasty court fight not for here) He was happy enough but a bit scared in the new house. He was afraid to be in any room alone at first. Dinah took over the job of chief baby-sitter. She followed him into the bathroom and sat right in front of him as he sat on the toilet or beside the tub as he bathed. Then she'd follow him to bed at night. I worked midnight shift at the time so she also ended up being both James and Nikole's protector while I worked. It would have been cruel to them not to let them say their goodbyes.
The younger grandson, Carson, came out to the truck to say his good bye and soon as Dinah saw him she managed a wag of her tail even in her weakened condition. Earlier she had done the same thing when I brought my other dog, Sadie, out to see her a last time.