People who don't have pets really don't get how much of a bond you develop with them. We have 5 dogs (3x Collies, 1x Spaniel and 1x Corgi) and each of them has their own personality, their own little idiosyncrasies and ways of doing things just like we do.
The only comfort is that he was with you and doing something he enjoyed, and that it was relatively quick.
Best Wishes
Ade