My condolences, Omega Metro.
I remember when my dog was put down, it was the friday of my first week at uni, I got home to where I was boarding and my landlady said I should call home. I did and recieved the bad news from Dad. I too haven't cried like that before or since.
The attachment we have to our pets is often just as strong as it is to the rest of our family. I hope you are able to keep many happy memories.