I learned in just one short story what he was a great dog he was. That says a lot about him.
I've lost a few great dogs myself over the years, and sometimes I have to remind myself that the good far outweighs the bad when the memories hurt, and that I knew that their lives are relatively short going in...it was worth it and that's why I've done it over and over.
I hope I see all my dogs again in the afterlife. There will be a lot of catching up to do.
Sorry for your loss. Hang tough.