when they reach that age its not just a dog...you see a mutt walking alone in the street,,thats a dog,you see a noisy yapping cur good for nothing ,thats a dog.What you had was a partner,,,and in some circumstances A PARTNER IN CRIME,lol..(depending on what you pursued) and when you loose your hunting buddy it bloody hurts,theres a bond built up over years of companionship and a job of work every time you strike out..It may not always be a successful adventure but the 2 of you shared it together,and when hes no longer there,it feels like part of you is missing,same as most true to their mutts