Hi Dr. Laura,

I have been a listener for a long, long time (since I was in college) and I am now a 40 year old psychologist! 

Recently, my partner and I discovered our standard poodle might have to be put to sleep because of a serious lung problem we just discovered she has. Needless to say, we have been very distraught and tearful, but what has helped me to get through this time is thinking of a call I heard on your show recently where a woman was crying and dealing with the death of someone important to her. I remember you telling her, "This is great!" because it showed how much she loved this person if she could be in this much pain. I have been thinking about that call for the past couple of days whenever I feel really down about the possibility of losing our dog. I think about how great it has been to have her in our lives the past four years, and remind myself I feel so much pain and sadness because of how much I love her. Thank you for your wisdom. You have helped me so much throughout my life and I am eternally grateful.

All my best to you,

Robert