non pet owners just think of pets as... well pets. when i reality they are family members. the cycle of life unfortunately goes at different speeds for humans and animals. but remember that you gave your friend the best home you possible could. burying a dog is like burying a friend or family member. i have had to do this a few times too. i dont have any dogs right now, but i will again soon. the heartache to bury them when they pass is nothing compared the the lifetime of friendship and companionship they provide. it is well worth the trade. as the saying goes, its better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. same with pets. i loved my dogs when i was growing up and i hated having to put them asleep, but i look back and remember each one of them and realize how much i loved them and how much fun i had with them.