Anyone who has loved a pet like that, knows that grief. It is awful. I lost my Cat, who thought he was a dog. he was 21 years old, I had him longer than my own kids. Constant companion who traveled with me. Plane, boat, bus, train, motor cycle, Yep a motion loving animal. I think if I had jumped from a plane he would have gone with me. He sat on my art display as part of it for years, allowed in the showrooms. Memories of these family members do not fade, but become dearer as time moves on. It has been two years now, and I have another, who has greatly helped me with the grief. No one ever takes their place, and I do consider these pets as a gift. They have indeed mastered love, which humans have not figured out yet. Well some of us have!
I will be thinking of you cass, and your friend. He will be there with you during surgery as a special angel. We will be here for you too. I know it is hard to face your surgery, in spirit you are NOT alone. ginnie