Sending you some good thoughts, Space... I know how it hurts.  After I lost my second dog in as many months (not to mention a 15 year old bird, as well), I went to the shelter and got a puppy within 48 hours.  Couldn't take it.  Felt better loving on someone.  Peace to you.

Toughest of the tough, ol pal.  So hard to see those beloved friends go.  Stay strong, ol pal.

Sorry to hear about your loss Maurice.
 
Take care Buddy.

My condolences. I grew up with cats and as a kid when we lost one I would take to my bed for days, inconsolable! 

These days I work with dogs and have done for the best part of a decade. Over the years I've formed bonds with hundreds of dogs and have seen some pass along the way, it never gets easy, even when they're not your own!

Do you read The Oatmeal? That guy did the most beautiful cartoon strip about his dog recently, very funny and touching at the same time:

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/dog_paradox

Maurice, 

So sorry to hear about Dali.   
 
Take care, 
Jan

Sorry to hear about this.  Pets become better family than most of the actual members!

A few years back we put down our 17 year old Irish Setter, Boots.
She had two loves, running, and hanging out with us. In her later years, she didn't run much.
She was mostly blind, couldn't hear, and movement was clearly painful.
When it came time to do the deed, my wife, my daughter, and myself accompanied her to the vet.
I held her head in my lap as she slipped away. It was hard as hell, but she left happy, surrounded by those she loved, and she was at peace.
My best to you, and Godspeed to Dali.

 Sorry for your loss S_C, too bad they can't live as long as us.

A good friend of mine, now paralysed, always had hunting dogs. He's a rugged, silent guy, a really "manly man".
He was really, really good with the dogs, and every one of them developed to excellent elk trackers with fine character. He took it as his duty to kill his dogs himself when the time came. It was heart breaking to watch the guy go to the forest for the last time with the dog and a rifle. It took him two days to come back from the woods, 'cause he was drinking his tears dry first.

The thing with mourning for our pets is that there are no "buts" or "ifs" when we think of them. The affection between us and them is totally unconditional and free of reservations, and so is then our grief.

Sorry to hear you have lost a faithfull friend Maurice, thinking of you and yours with positive vibes.