Our dog is getting up there. I've noticed that he is sometimes breathing more heavily lately, and has some other symptoms of age. In a lot of ways dogs are better company than humans.
Someone I know had a cat with a huge amount of personality that died suddenly. She was quite devastated. Everyone wrote down all the stories we could remember about what the cat was like and all the funny things it did. There was actually quite a lot to tell. The owner bound together all the stories in a scrapbook and I think this whole process was helpful to her.
Our old doggie has been gone about 3 years now. It was very unusual for a doberman to even live past 14. Ten is pretty old for a big dog like that. We always like to have 2 dogs at a time. Weeks after the old guy was gone, we came across local pups for sale and that little guy we got cured the blues for us real well. Now we are back to 2 dogs again.
I have horses too. The older one Jack is 18. He has a huge personality. I want him to live forever of course. He is quite a character. Does a lot of head shaking like he is saying “yes” and “talking” especially if I am near the treat jar. I will be crushed when his last day comes. But that is part of having pets. You love them and someday you are separated.