So sorry to hear that you have to part with a furbaby as I had to give up my beautiful golden retriever when I moved to Germany. Had little time with a friend to keep her because of her kiddo's allergies and the micro chipping, shipping cost took me much longer then she could hold her. I raised her from a puppy and it broke my heart so I feel your pain.
Personally, I am against declawing. It is cruel and unnecessary bottom line. I guess if you have no choice then what can one do but a cat is a cat and if it is done as a kitten well its painful. I worked for a vet and yes declawing, cropping ears and docking tails (like dobies for breed standards) are pretty painful to watch. Like snipping off the tips of your fingers. My opinion....can't deal with claws and trimming then get another type of animal. Not ok but that is my opinion and I am hushing up now on the subject.
Best of luck my friend but thankfully at least you can keep one furbaby.