I am so sorry Emily. I don't have children and so my pets become my children. I had Katrina for 19 years (brown point Siamese) and had to make the decision to let her go. She was followed by Toby, my mom's dog that I took when she could no longer take care of him. We only had him for 4 year but I had to let him go to. I still get tears thinking of them both. Now, I only have Kallie (9 yrs Tortoise Shell cat). My thoughts are with you....