First off, THANK YOU for your service!!!!!!!!
And thank you, thank you, thank you, for sharing your touching and sad story openly and honestly with us all. What a terrible situation for you to be in. It breaks my heart to hear of your big loss. It certainly is a reminder to keep a keen eye of our Yorkie's surroundings. They sure can pick things up before we have any time to take it away. I certainly concur with everyone here that is saying not to blame yourself!! It is easy for me to say, I know, as I am not in your shoes. I can honestly say that you seem like such a strong man, who's soft side was touched by Bentley. Please know that Bentley knew that you loved him with ALL of your heart and soul and that you did the best that you thought at the time. As someone else posted here - we all have guilt over an unexpected loss of a pet. 20/20 is viewed many times in our minds. May time make these thoughts get less and less as time passes, and that in time you will heal and perhaps, open your heart to another Yorkie. They certainly wins the hearts of all that meet them, that is unless they think they are rats
In that case they have never had the pleasure to own one. Sincerely, ALL the VERY best... and don't forget to give yourself a break!! You've already been through so much and beating yourself up won't help you any. We all feel the terrible pain you must be feeling. HUGE HUGS from Canada!!!