Thank you all for your kind words.
There have been so many replies that I will just address them in general. It’s true that my OP is probably almost as hard to read as it was to post. Like almost all of you have guessed, it is a (long-shot) attempt to possibly save some other dogs life someday.
With a day to gain some perspective, it seems that Maggie did succumb quicker than most dogs. Her suffering wasn’t what it might have been. Thinking about it, I do believe she didn’t feel betrayed at the end. Dogs always forgive their owners a vet visit, no matter how painful. Since they don’t know their own mortality, she probably went unconscious not doubting we’d eventually get to her.
At least, that’s what I hope. I will never know but I feel a little better.
I will try and do something in Maggie’s memory. One other thing is to make my future eBay auctions donate proceeds to a charity, like the ASPCA or the Humane Society. Other ideas are forming as I look forward rather than backwards.
Something I’ve learned by reading last night: A cracked window won’t help a dog or baby left in a car. Maggie died on a cool spring day so the outside temperature doesn’t really matter. I suppose a winter day might be safe but I wouldn’t want to risk it.
Bella is sad and we have decided to get her a companion likely next week. One thing (of many we are thinking about) is that the two dogs will be sure to get a treat when they return from a walk. This will be one more check against this ever happening again. A good friend suggested putting something valuable in a car so you are sure to return.
Thank you again for your caring.
Some specific replies:
Martin Hyde, you are right. We killed our dog through just a few minutes inattention and we are still asking ourselves why (if there is a reason).
FoieGrasIsEvil, your username alone says you care for animals. I agree with your thread and will likely post in it. EVERY trip in a car has a chance of an accident (another driver if nothing else) and dogs withstand car accidents worse than people (no seatbelts or airbags to protect them. Our dogs didn’t go in a car short of a walk or a trip to the vet. But we certainly are in no position to judge (especially now) someone else. Some dogs do enjoy a trip in the car for its own sake. And some pet owners will never have a problem with their pets in cars (just a few days ago, that WAS us).
elbows, your ‘trick’ is working and I had my doubts. Thank you, I will carry that with me and tell it to others.
When we get a companion for Bella, I hope to upload a picture of them both.