How do people manage to cope with the loss of their little pets?

I was just thinking to myself. I’ve had my little buddy for 7 years now. He’s always been very affectionate with me. I’m the one he likes the most in the house, and honestly, I can’t see myself going very long without him. When I leave for work, I already start missing him like crazy. So how do other people handle it?

don’t even remind me of that, my friend