person A: My daughters little dog passed away about 4 months ago_comma_ it really shook all of us.
person B: i am so sorry for you.  I know what a crushing experience the passing of a beloved pet can be.  You must be very sad.
person A: Yes_comma_ she was only 6 years old.  She had an autoimmune disease and it started attacking her red blood cells - there was not much we could do.
person B: That is awful.  An unexpected illness cam really strike like a dagger in the heart.