Lost my little doggy.

So sorry for your loss.
I say that God does make these "critters" available to us humans. They connect to a little piece of our soul, and IF we never had that relationship that part of our soul would never be found.
I have had more than a few dogs, but I connected with a little Daschund more than any, his name was simply Red Dog. I swear he could read my mind. I had to put him down about 5 years ago, and it still bring a tear to my eye. I loved that dog and he loved me.
About 3 years years ago, I got another red one, his name is Red Dog #2. He is just like his name sake, almost. Not quite as much a mind reader but close.