Chris Fox, whoever killed your cats is pure evil. The killer surely saw your pets as mere means to an end — to hurt you. The killing of your cats was evil itself, compounded by not even considering that the cats had lives and could feel pain.

Ms. Laderer, you are so right about the death of a pet. I lost my mix Rocket as a child, my lab Emerson 14 years ago and my lab Franklin last year. Each loss took a toll. You are right about the human connections pets bring about. Franklin was my constant companion. As I would go through my daily routine, I had to explain first to one person and then another that Franklin died. At night, I swear I can see him at the foot of my bed. Maybe he still keeps watch over me. May we be loved 1% as much by any human as we are by our dogs! May your grief diminish over time, and the hole in your heart be filled with fond memories of a being that loved you.