I still feel the loss of my 19 year old cat Lexi.  She was my first pet as an adult. 
oh man. was just talking to someone about that type of thing. i had a pet dog who was hit by a car back when I was in jr high. i have friends who have recently lost their lifelong pets and i know they're still reeling to some extent.
Yeah it hurts but I felt lucky to have had her in my life.  Send your friends a hug from me.  
i will indeed. thank you. back at ya.