Our dog, Kendall, survived abusive previous owners, a serious accident and came within days of being euthanized before we found him on a pet adoption web site six years ago.
But our brown-eyed buddy couldn't beat a serious kidney condition that rapidly worsened in recent weeks.
We reluctantly let Kendall go today. We said goodbye at our vet's office and I stayed with him for his final minutes. One injection made him relax and another sent him on.
He's home now, buried in our back yard.
I never had a dog before and Kendall was also our family's first. He was high-strung initially, then settled down and became a relaxed, mellow dog who got lots of attention and love.
And he gave it back, too.
He loved to give my daughter kisses. He'd curl up with me on the floor or sometimes roll on his back and demand a belly rub. He'd nudge someone with his nose, wanting to have his ears scratched.
And he was a constant companion of my wife, who found him and fell instantly in love with this beagle-terrier-lots-of-other-things-mixed breed shelter dog.
Our kids are sad. Hell, we're all sad. There were lots of tears today.
Of course we'll move on and maybe find another dog at some point.
But it won't be as a replacement for our first. For us, there will never be another Kendall.
Farewell friend.
UPDATE: There's been so many wonderful comments and compassion from so many here and my family and I can't begin to thank you all for your support on this very tough day. You all really do make this a great community.