People often underestimate the closeness and affection and importance an animal can have in ones life. This may sound strange but one of the greatest affections I ever had and experienced in my life was for a dog. He truly was my best friend. The love that little fellow gave me I can honestly say saved my life in one of it's most dark periods. He kept me sane and grounded and his limitless unbounded love and affection and happiness reminded me that I was human and loveable when nothing and no one else did or could.
Very sorry or your sad loss..