I feel for your situation, it's the one thing we all have in common. I'd like to share this quote from a Dean Koontz book called Innocence. It's about dogs (Koontz is a dog lover).

"Years later, after other experiences with dogs, I wondered if their species were shaped and charmed to serve as four-legged guides able to assist in leading humanity back to our first-and lost-home. By the example of their joy and humility, by wanting nothing more than food and play and love, by the deep satisfaction that they take from those humble things, they belie all creeds of power and fame. Although they have the teeth to tear, it is by swish of tail and yearning eyes that they most easily get what they want."

You were blessed to experience that. You were and are blessed.