Losing a loving friend and companion

I felt a deepening emptiness and sadness today that I could not put my finger on.. a feeling like sad tears were rising to flood stage behind the floodgates but I did't know why... and then the phone call came this evening from my vet with the news that my beloved companion of 4 years, Abby has terminal cancer and only about one month of life remaining... not the 10+ more years I was counting on. The floodgates opened and the tears of sadness fell with the realization that my most trusted and loving friend and companion would soon be gone. I got her at the SPCA as a pup about 4 years ago and She and I have developed such a close, loving, emmotional bond and are together almost 24 hours a day. 1/2 the recliner is hers, 1/2 the garden swing, 1/3 of the bed next to me is hers (1/3 is Kitty's) and 1/3 is mine). There's a silent psychic communication and understanding between us that needs no words. I when we do talk and she understands my English at her own level, especially the words look, where's the ball, wanna go inside, wanna go outside, wanna go for a walk, wanna treat, lets go to bed, lets get up, and much more. Abby often just stares lovingly into my eyes in silent communication. It's a very hard lesson that whenever we risk loving someone (Abby is a very special "someone" to me) that we must eventually lose and let go of those people and creatures we love and who love us. All things must pass.