How Do You Accept The Fact Your Pet Has Passed?

It is just really hard for me to believe my cat is no longer physically with me anymore.

Lily

Lily, my cat of 14 years, is being put to sleep today or tomorrow. I don't know the exact time because I am in college and have tests coming up so I asked to just assume heaven has gained an angel. My family got her in 1998 and since I have been a young child Lily has always clung to me and we have bonded. I'm not sure why, but she became MY cat. I consider myself her "mom". She always knew when I was sad or struggling and would comfort me. She would wait for me, run up to me, cuddle me, no matter what. Even though I was not her main caretaker, my mom took care of her the most but yet Lily still picked me. When I went away to college 2 hours away 2 years ago it was so hard parting with her. I knew I couldn't base my life decisions off her though. I sometimes regret not being home more but I did as much as could do see her. When our family found out that she had cancer 2 months ago we were all devastated. She means so much to all of us in different aspects. When I would come home and visit her though it was like her symptoms of cancer went away and she was happy again. Lily had lost a lot of weight, started urinating in the kitchen, became extremely thirsty all the time, and would always crunch up and not relax along with spurts of struggling breathing. When I came home though to be with her it was like she was hiding from me that she was suffering and became relaxed, took care of herself more, and just slept and became herself. I think that we have had an incredible connection. I don't know what to do without her. I went home to see her specifically many times. She was my rock and my comfort and I think I was hers. On top of losing her my boyfriend strongly believes that animals/pets/whatever don't have souls and don't have the ability or intelligence to love. This absolutely CRUSHED me. I STRONGLY believe that Lily is or will be in heaven and does/did love me and my family very much. I cannot prove to him either that they DO love. I have experienced it and I know many others have. He even has a dog who is obsessed with him but he says its nothing. I feel bad for him because he hasn't had this amazing experience and connection...he told me I need help and its sad I am so attached. I can't talk to him about it anymore without feelings numb. My overall feelings right now are just numbness.

I'm just looking for comforting thoughts, words, anything.