Very special to us !!!!! each dog is unique and at times know us better than we do , scientists irritate me by saying dogs only understand about 20 words , absolute rubbish ! Since I was a child I have always had a dog by my side , now I think "no more" it's too painful to say goodbye , those who have never had a dog just do not get it "why don't you go and get another one " that's when I roll my eyes and walk away. Sorry you lost your dog to cancer , we know that death is inevitable , it still does not make it any easier . I looked at the link and I totally agree , DOGS ARE AMAZING !!!!