re: Have to put down the first dog I ever owned.

Went through this with our pet turtle mr frodo last week.
Just now can get around to talking about it.

Kids are still all f 'd up over it.
We buried it in the sand box.
Neighbors dog or maybe a coyote dug it up and ate half of it , left the shell.
We were all in shock next day when we found it.

All I can tell you is time and the pound or a pet store can heal these wounds.
Stay strong.