I know it doesn't compare but our dog was my best friend when Keith died,gave me a reason to carry on, made me get up,take charge and kept me company on long nightime walks when i couldnt sleep. I lost him recently and of course was really upset,but apart from the immediate time havnt really cried.but just tried to carry on being strong. Today I finally put his blanket to wash.Then as I,m going away soon,found my camera switched it on to see if the battery needs charging and up comes a picture of the dog,the last picture I took on my camera,i dont even remember taking it. I spent a good half hour sobbing in the chair hugging the smelly blanket,which was retrieved from the washing pile unwashed.My point is that even though these little surprises come as a shock,perhaps we need them to kick start emotional release that's needed.