history: Our dog passed away after 8 years of having in the family. We've had our dog for over 8 years. He past away this spring. I'm so so sorry!  We lost our chihuahua in February_comma_ so I completely understand that feeling.  Was he sick prior to passing away or was it sudden?
current: It was sudden. He was completely fine when we went to bed. No issues at all. Its been hard for our daughter
next: I think it might actually be harder to watch our kids go through that kind of loss than to actually go through it ourselves.  Our pup was our daughter's dog and she was sick prior to passing, so we knew it was coming.  Still doesn't really help though.  We ended up adopting a pup from the shelter that had lost her human mom - it was meant to me - my daughter lost her pup and this pup had lost her mom.  It's helped, something to think about at least.