Our old was nearly 16, so it wasn't a huge surprise but was tough for how suddenly it happened. The younger golden was 9 and was pretty much my son's emotional support dog for PTSD. He had hidden being very sick for a while and suddenly his lungs just gave out. When you go to the urgent care vet and she comes from the x-ray room crying, you know it's bad. Getting the paw prints and saving some fluff really helped. We have both dogs' ashes. We are fortunate to be able to absorb those expenses at this stage in life. We did get cards from the vet and the breeders. Our daughter in law's mother made us a little thing to hang their retired collars on. I hope you find peace eventually. I have to admit that I get some emotional periods thinking about this dogs, especially Cody. Hardy came out with a song called "Dog Years" that just about guts me every time I hear it, but it does bring happy moments and fond memories of my dogs. And right now I know you're fightin' a lot of feelings, starin' at me Knowin' this time when you scratch my head, it'll probably be the last But if I could speak your language, all that I would do is thank you For the best years, though they went by seven times too fast But that was the best life I could ask for Bruises and cuts and covered in mud And feet up on the dashboard Pickin' up girls, not a worry in the world And you and me made a good team You took me in when I didn't have a prayer That was the best life I could ask for The best life I could ask for The best life I could ask for Now that I'm looking back on those dog years All those dog years