I am so very sorry for your loss.
My favorite memory is from my childhood. We had just moved and this one particular day, I rode my bike instead of walking. I took piano lessons during the day at a building next door to the school. I went to go to my lesson around 10AM, and there Lyza was, laying down next to my bike like she was guarding it. As soon as she saw me, she bolted over to me and lots of slobbery kisses ensued. We lived about 10 city blocks from the school and I couldn't believe she'd found the bike and me. She wasn't more than 2 years old. I was so touched; she was our first dog and it was my first taste of that unconditional love. We really don't deserve them.