a dogs life

I had to make a decision, probably the hardest decision of my life, not to say I haven't ever killed, sure, I've put animals out of their misery before, but this felt different..
My dog bonnie who I've had for over 13 years, was getting old, a 16yr old Labrador who had served me well, loved me when the world had sharp corners and shared some of the greatest joys of my life.
The time had come, I'm sure of it, she was so ill and cancer riddled, and just like my mum my dad and my oldest sister it was to break the body.
I signed the consent form on 30th December 1999, euthanasia, I have never before consciously signed an animals life away before. She had cried for the first time today, after a year of silent suffering. At the same time she went double incontinent and her back end has lost all strength.
For health and safety reasons the made her wear a muzzle, I stroked her ears as I did when she first came to me, a scared and bullied dog who couldn't walk at night time for fear of cars. This time my comfort came with a prayer that I was doing the right thing.
I cried, I rarely cry, with my parents and sister it was between 1 week and several years before I cried, but this time the tears fell like spring rain. I came undone.
I don't feel I treat her bad, we had some great times, and anyone who knows me will affirm that dog went places not many humans would go, and we loved.
My little bonnie, my babby, I miss you, I hope there's something good at the end of this pain. I love you!