Well we all lost something here too. They do become part of us and what we are. Like folks here, they always seem willing to give more than they take. Makes for a hard day.
Yesterday was tough. Way much. Today is a bit better.
Again, my thanks to those who reached out and posted on this thread. And for those who didn't but had good thoughts for me and the loss of a long term friend. If you've ever had a 4-legged companion you clearly understand.
And yet we continue to surround ourselves with lives who are so temporal compared to ours.........
I'm sorry for your loss. I had to have my big orange tabby, Punkin, put down a couple years ago, also 13. Even though another yard cat has adopted me I still miss him.