When I say good-bye to my faithful friends, I make a donation to an animal rescue group or animal shelter in the pet's name. Short of replacing the empty space in the house, giving another worthy animal a shot at a good life is a truly befitting memorial.
Jeeps, I know you feel bad about the upcoming events. I am so sorry as it is not one of the more pleasant aspects of pet ownership. Remember, though, that your dog had a home, regular food, a family and a good healthy and active life....which is all any dog could ever want. That is akin to heaven on earth for canines. No doubt that now that he cannot enjoy these things and the pain is detracting from his quality of life, the kindest thing you could do is to make sure he doesn't suffer. Love isn't all joy and barking; Sometimes the flipside of love is feeling heaviness in your heart. Hard as it is, try not to be sad that your dog is gone, but be happy for all the joy Jabber brought to your life. That is the payback humans can do for good dogs everywhere.
p.s.
Feel free to howl at the moon. Dogs got it right on that one.