To Cry or Not to Cry

I feel as if every patient that I see is part of my family, as if I am part owner. I just get really emotionally connected with my patients and my clients. Most of the time that is great because I get to enjoy all the wonderful moments either through my interactions or through photos. I get to watch a tiny, wiggly puppy grow up and see the joy that it brings to everyone. However, it also means that I take the not so wonderful moments just as hard as any pet owner would (or worse because I feel like a pet owner and a veterinarian and I have to accept that even with all the medicine in the world I can't save them all). This brings up my question or dilemma- to cry or not to cry. When I deliver bad news I do it after I have digested the bad news and gotten composure of myself. When I have to euthanize a patient, I feel like my heart is breaking and I just want to crumble, but I am the professional. Is it wrong to hold back all my emotions so I am the strong ones for my clients? Should I cry my tears in private? I don't know what I should do or what the owner needs from me. Bottom line - I want to give them what they need, but I don't know what that is. Any advice on to cry or not to cry?