So sorry, MC. 😢.
It is always hard when they are gone, but I can’t imagine how hard it must be to lose your buddy that way.
These are my two currently, Lucy (dog) is just about 14 yrs old… Adopted her when she was one year old. Sam the cat, is maybe a year older (or younger… no one’s sure). I got him seven years ago. My good friend got Sam from a shelter for her mom to keep as company, but couldn’t keep him her self when the mom passed away because her dog didn’t like cats. Lucy on the other hand, is fine with cats, but isn’t crazy about other dogs. Go figure. I know it’s gonna be tough in a couple of years with the two of them, but there is no better company than our pets.
Again … so sorry for your loss.