This is what happens when we don't put animal life in its proper context. Yes, I have a pet. Yes, I love my pet. But if it came down to staying in a disaster area or abandoning my pet, the animal is on its own. Sorry if that sounds heartless but I can always buy/adopt another one.
Here's an idea for you, honey. Walk.
Either you think you're REALLY REALLY valuable which I suspect is your problem, or you have other things of importance in your life like family. Some old people have NOTHING but their animal companion, nothing else to live for. No, you don't SOUND heartless, YOU ARE, if you have no empathy for these old people.