Mark,
I know we talked for a bit on messenger, but I am still going to write here as well. The loss of animal is nothing to gloss over. We have seen how that affects various people. The affection and love of a pet is unbiased. They love you whether you are mad, smell bad, smell great, have good hair or bad.They are there when you are sick or well. They don't have to be cute, but at some point they worm their way into your heart and enrich your life.
Perhaps the most touching and important part of your whole story is at the end you held Cher. If nothing else you were there for her. I will admit to being a coward. I've had to put down more than one beloved pet who was either riddled with cancer or unable to move due to great age. When the doctor came in and asked if I wanted to be there I fell to pieces and no matter how I loved Ruby or Fawn, in the end I couldn't do that for them.
Let the ghosts rest and do what is best for you, Mark. Remember, if you need a shoulder to cry on, someone to listen, or even someone to scream at, I am here.
Wayne