history: I just had to bury my Golden retriever today.  I had him for 10 years. I just had to bury my Golden retriever today. I had him for 10 years.
current: Oh no. I'm so sorry.  I feel you.  I lost my sweet springer spaniel, Pepper, not long ago. Are you coping okay?
next: I'm fine, I went out and got a new one this evening.