Having to say goodbye to a beloved pet is harrowing - but knowing they're no longer in pain makes it easier to manage.
A family has shared their surprise at receiving a touching letter from their vets after having to put down their 18-year-old dog.
Heartbroken after saying their final goodbyes, the family were struggling to grieve the loss of their special dog, Sunny.
That was until they received a letter from an 'angel' called Helper, who claims to have been keeping an eye on Sunny in Heaven.
The family said: "We had to put down our dog. He was 18. We got this letter from our vet. No words right now."
The vets letter reads: "Hello. My name is Helper. I am an angel. There are a lot of angels in Heaven and we all have different jobs.
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"My job is to write to people and let them know that their pets have arrived in Heaven.
"One of the head angels told me that you were worried about Sunny and asked me to write you about him."
Reassuring the family that Sunny made it into Heaven, the angel said he has settled in and is "doing just swell".
The letter added: "I know that he was ill when he was with you. He had gotten very old and when you get old, your body is not as strong as it used to be.
"Sunny was tired and I think maybe he knew that it was time to come here. And it is a good thing he did because now he is not old anymore and he isn't sick either.
"In fact, I saw him just a little while ago and he was running and jumping with some other dogs and having a great time".
Relaying a message from Sunny, the angel told the family just how much their dog has been missing them - but said he wants them to know that he will see them again one day.
"Sunny misses you and hopes that you understand he had to come here," it continued.
"I am sure that one day Sunny will be there to greet you when you come here and you will have a grand reunion.
"Until then, we will keep him busy and happy. Here we don't have time like you do. It never gets dark. It is just one long day. And everyone here is your friend, so don't worry.
"Sunny is not ever going to be lonely. Someday when he sees you again, it will be like you were never apart.
"Don't feel sad. Sunny is just fine. He is happy and he sends his love to you."
Sharing their thoughts on the letter, which has been shared on Reddit, one user said: "Our vet sends sympathy cards signed by all of the staff. It's kind of hard to take, but they know people are hurting.
"Ask vet staff what the hardest part of their job is, and it's putting down a pet who has been part of your life and family day in and day out for many years."
In agreement, another veterinary worker added: " Sometimes we ask another employee to swap with us if we are too emotional.
"It doesn’t do anybody any good if you’re crying louder than the owner.
"They add up though, and sometimes it just explodes.
"One of the most memorable experiences for me was this sweet old widow and her friend.
"They both quietly sobbed while we put down her senior dog. We gave them time alone afterwards with him, and after 10 minutes, they exited the room and closed the door quietly behind them.
"I went in to prepare her pet for the next step, and the dog was covered in beautiful handpicked field flower bouquets. Maybe they had a little ceremony for him.
"It brings tears to my eyes every time I think of this, and now whenever I have to euthanise a pet, I try to pick some flowers along the way."
Do you have a heartwarming dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
