This is so sad. Back in 1988, my heart was stolen by my “little brother” — a golden retriever we named Tycho. He and I were very bonded, and he saw me as his litter mate rather than a human owner. He was the goofiest, dopiest, best natured dog.
At the end of his life, we bought a rottweiler puppy. They were together for about 6 months before Tycho died, and he was instrumental in teaching her dog stuff (toilet drinking, wrestling, couch hogging, mooching for treats, etc.) We also think she was tempered some by his incredibly sweet, patient nature.
Deland is not far from where I live. He was a local celebrity.
Sweet. Someone in your family was into astronomy?