My heart goes out to the both of you. I know what it is to lose close pets, as I've had several pass away. You're right, they are more than just pets, they're family! The last ones I lost was a pair of Beagles I had. They were brother and sister, both some of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. At the time, my wife had cats as well and all of the animals stayed outdoors. We lived out in the country, so they all had plenty of room to roam around, which they loved. The dogs were also very protective of the cats, and wouldn't let so much as a squirrel near them, especially the six or so kittens!
One day, I came home from work to find 3 kittens and my female Beagle in the road, dead. Somebody had evidently ran over all four of them at the same time. Like I said, we lived in the country, but people sometimes drove like morons down that road! Needless to say, my wife and I were crushed.
About six months later, I came home from work to find that my male Beagle had gotten hit in exactly the same spot as the other had. I was devastated.
I now have another dog, a little Pug mix, but he's strictly an indoor dog. He's spoiled rotten, and he's turned my wife( a self-confirmed cat person ) into a full blown dog lover! I don't know what we'd do without the little guy!
Incidentally, my dad has a Chihuahua that's nearing the end of her days. She's been a part of the family for over 15 years, and I can't imagine how heartbroken my Dad will be when she passes.
As I said Kent, my deepest sympathies to you and your father.
Dan
