Death of Older Black Lab

Question
Back in June of this year (06) we found our, almost 12 year old female black Lab, gone on the basement rug early in the morning. Little piles of stool were found around her, here and there,  and one still coming out of her, it was normal stool. She had just like dropped down and her back legs were out to the side. I gave her heartworm treatment, all of her shots and she was kept inside, and I strolled with her whenever I could on a regular basis. She was playing outside with us just the night before and seemed just fine. What could of happened? I know only God can really know, but it would help somewhat with closure in my own heart, that I could "not" of done anything to have helped her or that I "did not" do anything wrong? I surely would appreciate your response to my question, I have been so lost without her. Thank you so much.  

Answer
There are a number of ways old bodies fail with little to be done, stroke, a cancer inside where nobody would find it, the heart itself giving up, etc.  At least you were spared watching her drag an arthritic body around and wondering when if time had come.  Treasure all your good memories.  


The Power of a Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
and when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie-
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find - it's your own affair-
But... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian Clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short time loan is as bad as a long-
So why in - Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

                                                            Rudyard Kipling.