I almost didn't open this thread because I knew what the news would be. I still bleed when I think of the last dog I lost - more than a year ago now; I too thought of not getting a dog again because I knew up front of the inevitable pain and grief that comes with the package.

And then I thought: No new dog can take the place of the dog you love but it CAN fill the space and then the new dog makes its own place. There is limitless room for all these places.

Kendall, Sins, Jacqui, everybody: I can't tell you how much I and others feel for you. Just know that we grieve with you.