Yeah. It would have been depressing if the name was only on the tattoo and he was saying the wrong name. Maybe make him old as well to imply dementia. Hell, make it a cat tattoo and have him specify "You weren't a good boy, but the best boy" to imply a dog and really drive it home.

I dunno. Just spitballin'. But I agree, as it stands, it's more sentimental than sad.