Liz ~
Please accept my condolences on the unexpected and tragic loss of your canine best friend, Keena.
I grew up with our family dog, Luke, a purebred Boxer that won over 50 first-place awards in dog shows on the east coast. My dad bought him (for an enormous amount of money that he later recouped in stud fees) when I was 8 years old. He was a very intelligent, happy dog that loved to romp with us but was perfectly obedience trained and would stop and sit as still as a statue with just a one-word command. Sadly, our Luke was diagnosed with stomach cancer when I was 14 (he was 7 years old) and my father had him put down to spare him suffering in vain. When my dad, a blue-collar guy and no wimp, came home and broke the news that "Luke is gone" it was the first and only time (up until then) that I ever saw my father weep. We all wept. It was a tremendous loss, just as yours is, now. I love dogs and always relate well to almost any dog I come in contact with but I've never owned a dog in my adult life. No dog could take the place of my childhood buddy, Luke. I can assure you that you'll 'get over' your loss - but you'll never forget Keena, just as I've never forgotten Luke. Life goes on and I've certainly learned that nothing stays the same, forever. That applies to both the good and the not-so-good things in our lives. Cherish the years you had with Keena, Liz and know that you both enjoyed something very special. Meanwhile, grieve - as you must - but know that she is now beyond any suffering and shared a joyous, if abbreviated, life with you and your family. You have memories that won't easily fade. Treasure those and know, too, that anyone who has ever loved a loyal, faithful, good dog shares a part of your loss, and so, you are not alone in your grief. Take my word for it that the feelings of emptiness will pass and you'll feel better. Not tomorrow and probably not the day after- but eventually, you will.
You'll be in my prayers and those of many others as you struggle with this loss.
Jim
