It's always hard to lose a friend, whether they have 2 legs or 4.

I grew up with dogs, and remember when our 200 lb St. Bernard just couldn't continue. I still miss that dog, and it's been over 25 years.

I made sure that my sons have the same opportunity to get to know a dog. He's a mutt (half Dalmatian, half Black Lab) we adopted from the Humane Society as a puppy 9 years ago. Both my sons really like him, and mentioned how they missed the dog while we were on vacation.

All the best and remember the good times.