Sometimes, a dog is just a dog?

I can fully understand. We were in Alaska when our Gordon setter Riley had to be put down. SIL made the decision for us because we were unreachable. Before we left we questioned if it was time and if he'd be able to handle being kenneled, but we have stellar kennel and decided it was OK. 2 days after we dropped him off he started having seizures and upon looking back we realized it had been happening prior to this. Had we fully understood, we would have made the decision prior to going. When we found out what happened we were sad and feeling somewhat guilty. I thought I'd be devastated when we got home but wasn't. We felt his loss but also realized some time later that yes, he was just a dog. We never had the connection to him for reasons unknown that we've had with our other dogs. You are not alone and I know you aren't looking for vindication but it's OK to feel that way.