I know they can be true friends, my mother-in-law had one for over 10 years also & when he died she was devistated.

I think it was carole who was saying you should honor him by putting him on a pet memorial on the internet, I did this with my RB Keisha. Here is where mine is if your interested in doing that
Heaven's Garden Memorials

We'd love to see more pictues if you'd like to share.