Humans are the only species on this Earth that lives with a psychological fear of death even independent of any actual threats to our existence - a conditioned preoccupation with our own physical mortality.

Animals are not this way. They do not live in fear of death. Their physical passing is every bit as natural to them as their other innate instincts. So I think it's important to understand that your animals do not carry the same psychological burden of fear that we humans possess when it comes to our mortality. To acknowledge this is to acknowledge that your pets/companions do not live in fear of their fate, they are not scared - so you should not be scared or live in fear for them.

As far as your attachment is concerned, that is understandable. If you had to live your life over again, would you want to exclude these companions from your life so you would not have to face these difficult times? Or would you place a much greater value and emphasis on all the positive times and memories that you shared with your furry friends? That is where your attention should be, on valuing the positive. Don't let what you perceive to be negative situation override the years of positive memories you have. It's difficult to keep this in perspective but it's true. If you were weighing your positive vs. negative experiences with your pets, there is no denying that the 'good' far outweighs the 'bad'.

I feel that all living beings are climbing up the evolutionary ladder of consciousness in the process of incarnating here on Earth. It sounds like you have provided your pets with much love & affection, and I believe this serves the greater purpose and goes such a long way in helping them along their path of growth & advancement. The same way that we might look upon a parent or role model in our lives that helped us along our way. Be thankful that your pets were a part of your life in the same manner that they are thankful that you were a part of theirs. We will all have to shed these physical bodies when our time comes, as that is inevitable. However the energy (consciousness) that gives us our life force - it never dissipates, only relocates. : )

A relative's dog that I was close with had suffered from complications from a seizure or stroke. I was visiting them when he took a turn for the worse and in the dog's last act, he mustered up the strength to get up and walk across the room and lay down at my feet before he passed away a few minutes later. As sad as it was I was so touched by his last act of companionship before he passed! I have an 8 year old dog now who is my best friend and I know it won't be easy for me when his time comes but I feel that I am at peace with the process and will be ready to handle the challenge when the time comes. I think you are stronger than you give yourself credit for and you'll make it through this and come out even stronger than you were before.