It was a year ago today that I had to put my dog down. It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make, yet I don't regret it one bit. Zak was 12 1/2 yrs old, and for a big dog that's old. We got him when he was 5 weeks old, and we loved him every day that he was with us. I always said that I would let him go when his quality of life was no longer quality. I vowed not to be the pet owner who allows their pet to suffer just so they don't have to deal with the pain of loss. I stayed with him right until the very end. He went the way he spent a good portion of his life: cradled in my arms (he was a 90-pound cuddle hound).

I miss him every day, but I rest okay knowing that I did the right thing by him. Now he gets a chance to run and play in the green grass in dog heaven, and doesn't have to worry about the -40 degree winters that kept him from getting his daily walk.

Love you bud....