I had a very sociable Golden Retriever for about 13 years. Loved to fish and swim for hours and smart as a whip. The last and final ride to the vet, he just kne

I had a very sociable Golden Retriever for about 13 years. Loved to fish and swim for hours and smart as a whip. The last and final ride to the vet, he just knew. I think he completely understood what was about to happen. He was old, and noticeably more on edge than normal during the ride. I can't even think about the walk from the parking lot to the front door even today. I met my parents and siblings inside. He went around the room in a circle resting his head in everyone's lap for a minute, as if to say goodbye. We stood by him as he was put down. My brother, whose a burly, bearded car mechanic and tough as nails, was the one to break down. My sisters were the ones consoling him for once. The passing of that dog showed more emotion from my family than even my grandparents dying.