Dear Kitt,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Doberman. I am sending many thoughts and prayers to you and to Dee.
Thank you for giving her such a loving home while she was on this earth. Yes, your memories of Dee with live on forever. The body may die, but love is eternal.
Three years ago, my three precious Cavalier King Charles Spaniels died within six months of each other. My first spaniel died on Christmas Eve at the age of 14. I was devastated, as were my two other spaniels. Then, at the age of 15, my second Cavalier died in April. I cried buckets of tears, and I leaned on my third Cavalier named Bear for support. Bear was my very best friend in life. Exactly one week after my second Cavalier died, Bear started going downhill. A few days later, he died of a severe heart block. In my opinion, however, he died of a broken heart.
Much like you, I had to put Bear to sleep, and that decision was one of the hardest - as well one of the easiest - that I've ever made. It was horrible to lose my very best friend in life, but I had to ask myself, "Are you keeping him alive for yourself, or is this something that you're doing for Bear?" He was suffering so much that I had to make the decision to euthanize him.
Over the last three years, I often remember Bear when I least expect it. I'll be walking down a grocery store aisle and suddenly remember what his favorite squeaker toy was. You'll find that Dee will visit you often in your memory too. They don't really ever leave us.
There is a book called Dog Heaven that Bear's vet gave me after he died. Below, I want to share with you my favorite part of the book. This speaks very closely to my heart....
"Dogs in Dog Heaven have almost always belonged to somebody on Earth, and of course, the dogs remember this. Heaven is full of memories.
So sometimes an angel will walk a dog back to Earth for a little visit and quietly, invisibly, the dog will sniff about his old backyard, will investigate the cat next door, will follow the child to school, will sit on the front porch and wait for the mail.
When he is satisfied that all is well, the dog will return to Heaven with the angel.
It is where dogs belong, near God who made them."
Again, I extend my deepest sympathy over the loss of Dee.
Take good care.