Speaking of pets, my cat just died this winter. He was about a year younger than me, and was born in my home, so I was practically raised by this cat. He had a very imaginative name: GrayWhite; symbolic for the colors of his different fur patches.
Also sorry to hear of your loss Dek Rollins, I just lost my Service Dog of 11 year to a massive stroke this past Christmas Eve, and it was truly devastating. I also have a cat, and I know how we bond with them as well.