Sad Sad Day

Today we made the decision to have Joe euthanized. He had been having problems urinating for several weeks now. The vet thought it was nerve damage, he also has arthritis in his hips and spine. We had spent around $1,000 on tests, procedures, special foods and medication and unfortunately he didn't get better. The next option would have been seeing a specialist and surgery, and right now we just don't have the money for that.
He was in a lot of pain and discomfort today, totally not himself. I am sad that we couldn't do more for him. He was such a good dog. I am glad that he is not suffering anymore. I found this poem on the Internet which was somewhat comforting:

If It Should Be
If it should be that I grow weak,And pain should keep me from my sleep,Then you must do what must be done,For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,Don't let your grief then stay your hand,For this day more than all the rest,Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,What is to come can hold no fears,You'd not want me to suffer so,The time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my need they'll tend,And please stay with me until the end,I know in time that you will see,The kindness that you did for me.Although my tail its last has waved,From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve, it must be you who had this painful thing to do,We've been so close, we two, these years,Don't let your heart hold back its tears.
Author unknown

Joe may you rest in peace. I hope you are in a happy place - like a giant back yard with plenty of toys to chew and sticks and squirrels and bunnies to chase. You can dig all the holes you want now and bury your treasures. I hope you have a nice comfortable place to nap in the sun. We will miss you so much Joe. I am glad we had 8 great years with you.