Ah shit, truly heart breaking. Feel for all concerned. Its not a nice thing to go through at all but deep down I suppose you know its for the best. I had to have my staff put to sleep when he was 12. I got him with my own money when I was 12, did a paper round and saved every penny. He was my best pal, went through all my growing up years with him, my depression stage and everything and he was always their listening to every word I said. His unconditional love was probably the only thing that kept me going some times. We had him put down when his health got too bad, his joints gave out and couldnt stand some days,and ive scattered his ashes near the riverbank on his favourite walk. I still go down now with my new dog to pay my repects and always fill up, he seems to know the place has meaning too. Its nice to have a place to go though to remind me of him. The rainbow bridge poem that Maria put up was given to us when they cremated him and its nice to think of thats where hes gone. Might be worth considering if you already havent? Basically I couldnt let go but that helped me through it. Best wishes at this upsetting time
Steve