Hello Joe,
Yes, I know it is tough to put a dear friend to sleep forever, and it doesn't get any easier. We've had to do it twice and will probably have to do it a third time this year to our 13 year old basset hound.
There is one place on the web I visit sometimes for consolation:
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
The Rainbow Bridge is nice place for a reunion.
Richard in Plano, TX