Kipling's 'Power of the dog' gets me every time, all about giving your heart to a dog: 
THERE is sorrow enough in the natural way 
From men and women to fill our day;  
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,  
Why do we always arrange for more?  
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware  
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. 
..... 
and so it goes on. 
Those cockies are really such wonderful dogs to know, so sorry to hear about your losses.