Hammer Head, what is the point of you even entering into this discussion when it is obvious that this kind of thing upsets quite a number of people.
Having a pet for years and then having to have it put down is a horrible thing to go through. We had a cat for around 9 years (since i was about 8) and we had to have him put down and it was a horrible thing to go through, because he had become part of the family.
You obviously are cold-hearted and never had to go through this, and i hope that you never have pets.
So it is not just a dog its part of the family, as are all other pets, and its heart breaking when they die or have to be put down.