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I'm really sorry, Steve...I can't imagine how that must feel. I'd imagine it being like losing a member of the family. I've never experienced this kind of thing before, so I don't have much of an idea of how you feel. Well, she was obviously suffering...I mean, from what I saw, she could barely stand without hurting herself...at least she doesn't have to hurt any more. She's better off, really....so don't feel too bad.
The closest thing I've come to having to put an animal down was the dog I had before Ruby (Jewel). She was out of control. She was ripping wholes in the fence, cutting herself as she crawled through the holes, and destroying our property. I really liked her, but we had to get rid of her. She was doing too much damage to our house and to herself...it was only a matter of time before it was serious. We had to take her to the humane society when it was closed, and had to leave her outside of it in a cage in the pouring rain. It was hard to drive away, looking at her as she looked back at us, soaking wet, confused about what we were doing. I didn't like having to give her up, and it was 4 years before we could get a new dog. But, like Casey, she was better off, really...in a way. Just don't be too upset, man. Continue with your normal life and enjoy the rest of the time you have with Tess.