My best friend passed seven years ago and I still tear up thinking about him. It was the first time I had to confront the death of someone close to me. I remember crying upstairs after having to put him down and telling my wife I didn’t know why I was making such a big deal about a dog. She comforted me letting me know he was not just a pet but a friend. 11 years we hung together, I took him to class, to parties, on dates when my wife and I first went out. He was a part of my life as a young man. College, first job, marriage, first kids. Through it all he never put up a fuss. A true companion. I haven’t owned another dog since. I know I’ll see him and the others I have lost over my life in the next one. I’m sorry for your loss.