Is it normal to be really attached to your dog?

Your feelings are more normal than those of your friends. You should be attached to your dog, it's normal! It would be sad if you weren't. One thing that helps a lot of people get over the death of a dog is getting a puppy before the dog dies. That way you can get used to the new dog, and it won't be so hard. I don't know if that would work for you, but it's just a suggestion! That helped my grandpa who loved his dog almost as much as his kids haha. Anyway, good luck! Take lots of pictures of your dog and do other little things that will help you remember her. Also, remember the good times when she does go, don't dwell on the sadness. She lived a good life, better than that of your friends' dogs. I keep a little scrapbook with memories of my pets (those that I still have and those that have passed on) and it helps me a lot. One of the biggest things to remember is to not keep her when you need to let her go. If she begins to suffer and there isn't hope, and even the vet tells you to let her go, let her go. No matter how much it hurts. Don't keep her after her time because you can't let her go. That will hurt her. Spend as much time with her as you can, while you can. And remember, dogs really are part of the family.