My daughters little dog passed away about 4 months ago, it really shook all of us.
i am so sorry for you.  I know what a crushing experience the passing of a beloved pet can be.  You must be very sad.
Yes, she was only 6 years old.  She had an autoimmune disease and it started attacking her red blood cells - there was not much we could do.
That is awful.  An unexpected illness cam really strike like a dagger in the heart.