Lou I am crying my eyes out here, my dear friend. You are so right about non dog people not understanding and just how deep the pain goes, I do understand.
I have always loved the breed and remember my Dad having one at work that was beside him every minute when he was there late. I never met the dog but Dad would come home most every night and tell my brother and me such wonderful stories and we could not believe any dog could be so wonderful. He told us just how gentle he was but 'Shep' knew when something was up that he had to be aware of. Mom would pack a surprise for Shep each day in Dad's lunch and we were told lunch time was so exciting for him but he would have given up any surprise for my Dad. I guess you know where I get my love of dogs from.....yes my Dad.
Remember we are here for you. I don't know how I ever would have gotten through my loss without YT. Pm me anytime that you are feeling low and I will be there for you, I hope you know that.
If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you home again