Oswald: Burning Bright Like The Sun

I took Oswald to be euthanized yesterday. When we left for Hawaii 6 months ago he was 185 lbs, yesterday he was 115 lbs. Lymphatic cancer had got the best of him. Despite knowing this was best for him, it was difficult to look into his eyes knowing you were going to put him to death -- and that he had no idea.

So what's the takeaway? What can we all learn from the death of a family pet? 

I think we learn nothing. It's just a gentle reminder (like getting a common cold) that health is everything. Relationships / family are a close second. Oswald wasn't the world's best dog, he didn't have a magnetic personality or the kindest heart or an incredible sense of humor -- he was just loved -- and that is more than enough.