Oh, Sandy, I am so sorry. I do agree with K9Karen about closure with being able to lay him to rest. I remember receiving the phone call about my father's sudden death. He was in another State when the accident happened. (He was a truck driver). We recieved the phone call Wed. night/Thurs. morning. Until we were able to have the viewing, it didn't seem real. We were able at that moment to start to feel a little bit of closure.
I don't know of any words that will help you right now but I just want you to know that I am thinking of your whole family, extended included. I am sending you some strength, love and a whole lot of prayers.
Oops, almost forgot, good luck with Star. Hopefully he just needed treated longer for the UTI. Good luck to you.