Holly, I am so sorry for your loss, and all you have gone through with Laurel's health issues.
It's very sad she lived such a short life, yet it sounds like she gave you much love during her time with you, as well as the love you gave to her.
No matter how long something or someone is in our lives, we are blessed to have known them because they have left behind wonderful memories to cherish, and many lessons learned.

Dear Joyce,
Yes, I would not have changed a thing. I very hard time though, but I had so many people helping. My mother lost her mother at a young age, a sister at a year old, and a brother in WWII, and we both feel that although Laurel's life was only 2 1/2, the quality of her life with us was amazing. There is not a day that will ever go by that she is not on my mind or in my heart. I've had many dogs in my past 49 years, and this one took the breath out of me, but in a good way. She was really my best friend, and it was an honour to have her. Thank you for your kind words

Isn't is incredible, that we get to have that love between species? It never fails to be a miracle.

And you have had the blessing of the heart-dog.

I'm so glad you were there to let your beautiful girl go.

 Quote: joyce salazar

Holly, I am so sorry for your loss, and all you have gone through with Laurel's health issues.
It's very sad she lived such a short life, yet it sounds like she gave you much love during her time with you, as well as the love you gave to her.
No matter how long something or someone is in our lives, we are blessed to have known them because they have left behind wonderful memories to cherish, and many lessons learned.

And again I have to quote Bob Scott and say "They are worth every tear."

Dear Connie,
We are all sorry about Laurel. Very hard to try to explain to a 3 y/o especially when she keeps asking me if Laurel would be returning...I told her that she had a job interview with God and she said "wow, it must be a really important job"...its hard dealing with a 3 year old that is going on 30. She misses her and keeps saying that she was part of the family, and why can't god let her come back to the family? I just told her that her job was really important...so she keeps asking. She walks around the house counting the cages...she points and says OK here is Barbar's cage, and here here Stela's cage, but Laurel's is empty. So that seems to be the hardest thing I'm dealing with.

My K9 trainer said I was fortunate enough to have experienced the "heart dog." He's actually late 60's and said he's had it happen 2x. For us, it will happen again, as now, it already has...my male, who is in my signature, is a definite heart dog, but we have pending results for Cushings. He is not a well dog, and has a heart problem, so my new "heart dog" may not be one that may live that long. Having Cushings is not easy, and to get a diagnosis is actually lucky, but we will wait and see. I would never deny him any type of treatment if it could help him lead a normal life. I had asked Laurel in my mind this morning, pretty much aloud and in my head and said to her "Laurel, did you really love him that much that you want him with you where you are?" Wish I could have an answer. Its been a tough year...wouldn't wish this on anyone, and it hurts. I feel for anyone that has to go through it.
Laurel was a one person dog, a giver...a very hard dog, not meant for a novice handler really, but a sweetheart just the same. I have many good memories of her, and will never forget them. For now, I look up to her for her guidance while we await fate on my 16 month old male. I mentioned to someone yesterday that I felt trampled upon. That is putting it mildly.
Laurel will be my inspiration of my book which I am starting right now, for children. I know there are tons around, but it's something that is in the works.
I pray for her litter mates too, although I can't locate any of them, that they are VERY healthy and living good lives. For now, my concentration is getting through a really horrible time, not only for her, but now awaiting on my boy's outcome. Trampled pretty much can't describe how I feel as a human being, its very much an understatement. She will be my inspiration of anything I do from now, and in the future.

Thank you, Connie...your kind words are most appreciated.

When you stand beside them over and fight for their lives as you so obviously have the dog becomes special in your heart.
Wishing you peace of mind to follow this time of sorrow.

I have had two heart-dogs too. Nothing taken away from all the others, nothing at all, because I have loved them all dearly. But sometimes the essence of the dog and the essence of the human just mesh.

It is rough to face life's biggest lesson at age 3. Life IS change. Without change, there is no life.

And life is death, too.

I thank the universe that we are given the means to help our best friends out of this life with dignity and peace and without loneliness, pain, and fear.

 Quote: betty landercasp

When you stand beside them over and fight for their lives as you so obviously have the dog becomes special in your heart.
Wishing you peace of mind to follow this time of sorrow.

Betty, I had typed this thought but deleted it because I couldn't articulate it well.

"When you stand beside them over and fight for their lives ... the dog becomes special in your heart."

Yes.

I'm so sorry for your loss.