Love my four-footed family members, and I know what it is to let them go. Better than letting them go too long in discomfort and confusion, and let them go when you can let them know how much they mean to you. But pure misery. Sentimental perhaps, but I always feel that they leave you while signaling another dog (cat, or horse) maybe soon, maybe not, that you are a person to be trusted. You don't go for them, they come for you, when the time is right, seeing that aura around your head that makes them say, "There he is now." Your gal knows you shouldn't go forever without canine supervision. Want another companion animal after losing one? Good Lord, no. But when they take you into custody, that's it.