Getting sentimental in my "old" age

Yesterday afternoon I had to take one of our dogs back to the veternarian to have some post-operative stiches removed. The last time I was in that office was not a happy one. One of the saddest days of my life was when I had to take our ailing Beagle "Mandy" to be put to sleep. We had "adopted" her the day we got back from our honeymoon from the humane society in Louisville KY. We had that dog longer than any of our kids. I balled like a baby. Isn't it incredible how attached we get to those animals God gives us dominion over?

So, back to yesterday. I am sitting there with "Nala" and it was no time at all when they called her back. As they walked her to the back, she stopped right before the door and looked back at me with those big sad eyes. I got a huge lump in my throat. I vividly remembered my previous trip to the office. I looked through the open door of exam room #5 where I said goodbye to Mandy. I noticed the other pet owners sitting in the waiting room with their beloved animals and wondered how much their pets meant to them. One small older dog was waiting his turn to see the doctor. It's owner, a rather large, middle-aged man and his mother were holding it. He was hugging it real tight. I don't know what the dog was there for, maybe just shots or a check up, but I could sense the love they had for that dog.

Less than five minutes later the assistant brought Nala back out-stiches removed. Our canine was so excited, (I wonder if they gave her a lolipop or something?), we went out the door and were on our way.

I can remember thanking God for our previous animal member of our family and once again, (don't tell my wife), I thanked him for the four dogs we have. They bring so much joy to our lives don't they?

What about you? Any wonderful pet stories? I'd like to see if I am the only sentimantal sap.