We have a 2 year old, 100lb choco lab that came into our lives as a gift from God, I'm convinced. We had to put down a very sick 7 year old pup that was over-bred (we didn't know) and had been dealing with health issues for over a year, and the decision was somewhat thrust upon us. To make the matter worse, between the emergency vet and the crematorium they lost his cremains, and all I got from either of them was finger pointing. Not a super great lasting memory of that experience, but I digress.
Our Kona is so sweet and kind and gentle (as possible for as big as he is), and he filled the hole in our heart from losing Korben Dallas (yes, that Korben Dallas). He had his puppy phase, but he's not a chewer or counter surfer or many of the bad traits labs are known for - he simply lives for love and snuggles and play.
Having put down 3 pets in 18 months from 2020 to 2021, the memories are still somewhat raw for me, and I dread the day I'm going to have to look my sweet Kona in the eyes as the vet... well, you know.
Time to wrap it up and go pour a whiskey.