Yes! the human-like qualities that pets take on are amazing to witness.
Minou has stunning eyes that picture above is absolutely beautiful. I in a similar way to your parents decided that I would have no more pets after my dog died, but like you I came to the realisation that I had received such love and joy from her that, yes I was happy she had been such a great part of my life. I did in time choose another dog as I understood the pain was the other side of the coin. Without the pain or risk of it, we can never experience that love and joy.
Thanks for sharing Minou's story, take good care my friend :D