When you take on a dog, you make the pledge to house and feed him and care for him until his dying day. The dog, for his part, pledges to die for you if the need arises. That's the bond. It's hard when a dog dies, but think of it this way -- it's easier for the dog because you were there to take care of the dog right to the end. The dog had you to rely on. How many of us have someone we can rely on absolutely?