It is one of the worst feeling in the world. I am so sorry for you and your family. Give him his best day ever!

You are not killing your best friend you are protecting him and being his best friend just like he has done for you over the years.

Last year the dog I grew up with had to be put down it was terrible and hard but having my own dog at the time helped. Our other dog still misses him and looks for him time to time. The love we have for a dog is beyond amazing to me and we are so blessed and lucky to be able to feel that much love for an animal. It does not get easier but over time it will get better.

The memories you have will always be there, stay strong.

All I know is dogs are a million times more better than people and can make the strongest of men to cry when they have to watch their best friend past away.

Dogs come into our lives to teach us about love. They depart to teach us about loss. New dogs can never replace a former one – they merely expand the heart. If you have loved many dogs your heart is very big.

For you kids and for yourself have a funeral type process, have a day to remember you dog. Sometimes it can help to have a memorial service, including the entire family and friends who knew your pet. If you have a backyard, you can plant a tree or flowers in your pet's honor. Your children may want to help you plan this. - We did something like that and gave our dog a couple of toys that meant something to us and yet we kept a toy or two as well. Also, it may make some children better to keep something that their pet really loved-such as a collar, tag or favorite toy.

Here are some other ideas: (I am doing the first one for the one that past away last year).

•You and your child can gather up photographs of your pet to make into a photo album. This can be arranged chronologically, starting with pictures of when the animal was a baby. Your child can also include information about your pet's favorite toys, treats and things to do.
•Sitting down with the family and sharing memories of your pet can make your children sad--but it can make them laugh, too, and will help your child understand that everyone is feeling the loss as well. - We still do this time to time, so many good memories.
Although your child may not feel like it, it can help to engage in his or her regular activities-such as going to practice or rehearsal after school, playing outside or going for a bike ride.
•Give your child one of the books on pet loss from the list below. They are written specially for children.

Recommended Resources for Children

Life and Loss: A Guide to Help Grieving Children, Linda Goldman;
Accelerated Development; Taylor & Francis Group, (800) 821-8312; 1994

Because of Flowers and Dancers, Sandra S. Brackenridge; Veterinary Practice Publishing Co.; 1994.

Dog Heaven, Cat Heaven, Cynthia Rylant; The Blue Press; Scholastic, Inc.,

Goodbye Mousie, Robie H. Harris; Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing,

Grunt, Suzanne Schlossberg, Tamberrino, Centering Corporation; 2001

Jasper's Day, Marjorie Blain Parker; Kids Can Press Ltd.; 2002

Saying Goodbye to Lulu, Corinne Demas; Little, Brown and Company; 2004

Cheers to you and your best friend