Orbs, we lost our cat about 15 months ago. He was 19, he had been with us 16 years. Like you I was devastated, much more than I ever have been for people....and that include parents. I’m absolutely not ashamed of that either.
We have a dog too, a border. We rescued her from the dark side (Derby) when she was 7. She’s coming up 12 soon.
She took losing the cat very badly, wouldn’t eat, go for a walk etc, all the thing she would never normally refuse to do. Eventually got another. He’s a wonderful little fellow, despite the complete lack of an attention span, and she’s happy again.
My pets mean the world to me, to the point I work from home these days as much as possible, she has a bed in the office, so she’s with me too. She’s really is my best friend.
My cat is buried in the little garden in front of the office, one of his favourite sunning spots when he was here. Most of the time we are never far apart.
I think the canvas is a great idea. I’m really sorry for your loss, I hope the canvas can give you some comfort.
Stan was a lucky dog to have such a good friend as you.