I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss. (All of your losses, actually.) I bet Aggie was the best girl around. You really nailed the turmoil involved with the lack of agency on the dog's part. I do fear that if they were calling the shots, though, they'd probably keep us alive forever, but I'd still trust their judgment over most humans'.

Also, I am so glad you didn't turn into a serial murderer based on that bit about your adolescence. Well done. :)