It's tough to lose those furry kids, but I wouldn't think of living without a few of them around. We had to have both of our female shelties put down a little over a year ago. We still have the three males and got a border collie puppy shortly after the girls left us. Two of the male shelties are getting old, so I know I will have to go through it again, but the joy that they bring is worth the sadness and tears that I know are coming.
Sorry for your loss, Alan. I know that it's a cliche, but I really do feel your pain.
Steve