Anthony,
I recently lost my dog, Thunder. She was a Black Lab that we had for 17 years. I am thankful to be able to love and give her a good home for that long. They do become like a family member. They're the one you can count one to be happy to see you after a long day at work. No matter what kinda mood I was in, she was always by my side. So sorry for your loss.
-L2-