and I just want to tell the world how great he is and how much he will be missed. I can't stop crying. I knew something was wrong but thought he threw out his back again. I keep wondering if I had taken him to the vet earlier, could he have been saved? He was so old...in his late teens and possibly even his twenties...but the greatest dog in the whole world. He was my best friend and I miss him so much that the lonliness feel like a cold sort of numbness that won't go away. When I got home, I threw away everything except his favorite squeaky toy and his collar. I just couldn't stand looking at the empty dog bed. I can't bring myself to wash his blankie and I just can't stop feeling empty inside...like someone carved out my heart and I'm hollow. You might think this is a strange reaction for "just a dog." But he was my best friend. He was there for me when others weren't. He would seek me out when I was down and cheer me up again. Some people think dogs are just dumb animals and don't have souls, well I don't want a heaven that doesn't allow Poppet in it. I hate myself for every minute I didn't have time for him, ignored him, gave him a harsh word. I love him so much, and no one will ever take his place in my heart.