Many years ago my wife had a Redbone Coon hound she just loved. I worked weekends out of town. Left for work on Friday and by the time I got back on Monday I had no dog and a $1500 vet bill. I forget the details, I think his kidneys shutdown, but whatever.
The wife was the dog person in the house. I like dogs, don't get me wrong, but I do not like being a dog owner. I, personally, would not have spent that kind of money but when your wife is on the phone crying you tell her "money is no object". She's one of those people that think dogs are people in furry coats. Me? I think they are dogs. Short time with us, usually wonderful to be around, but they pass, all too soon sometimes. I do not get emotionally attached to them like she did.
I feel for those of you that lost your best friends.