DEAR ABBY: I am 8 years old. My mom told me our neighbor's dog was old and sick, so he had to put his dog to sleep. I hate this. I know it is what is best for the dog, but I can't stop thinking about it. How can I get over this? -- HENRY IN AUSTIN, TEXAS
DEAR HENRY: Your neighbor's dog was put on this earth to run and play and enjoy his doggie life. When an animal is no longer able to do that and spends his days and nights in pain, then the kind -- but very difficult -- thing for a pet guardian to do is to let him go. Being put to sleep was a gentle way to go, and when you think about your neighbor's dog, you should remind yourself of that.