Brother, I know your pain all too well. I got my favorite pup from the breeder when he was 9 weeks old. Picked him out when he was 6 weeks old, but the breeder wouldn't let him go until 9weeks. I had him for almost 12 years before having to make the hardest decision of my life. He was so smart, so loyal, and had so much personality, it was like losing a son. I had to put him down 5 years ago, and it still brings me to tears. I have his ashes in a nice wooden box with a gold nameplate on it in my living room, so he can still watch over everything.