I think the thing to remember is that we do NOT honor any pet's memory by back-sliding or getting drunk. it is painful to lose them, but getting drunk to deal with it won't do us any good.
In the past 12 years I've had to put down 2 great dogs, 2 cats and my beloved Wylie Coyote Maine Coon cat died in his sleep on my bed, I discovered this when I woke up, he was still warm....each loss was very painful and I guess i drank throughout all of them (i wasn't extra drunk, just regular)....but it didn't make it any better.
what does make me feel better is giving another cat & dog a great home and pampering/spoiling them...talk about "the attitude of gratitude"...look at your pet and you see it.