My COndolensces on both your losses, btw (Iguana and Fortune.)
I totally understand what you're going through. I used to take care of my neighbors cats alot and over the course of the years, a couple of those cats have dissappeared and one died. He made it to the ripe old age of 22 believe it or not! I became especially attached to one of them and was heartbroken when she took off. (As a side note, people are suggesting nowadays if you live in a heavily wooded area or near one, don't let your cats outside...period. More and more people have been losing cats to Fisher Cats and Minks and the like. They're population is outta control in recent years in a lot of areas. They are faster and stronger predators than domestic cats so they really don't have a chance. I know this because I worked in the local humane society shelter for a while. The numbers are heartbreaking!)
So as I was saying, I also have had two golden retrievers who have died in my lifetime (the first one was older than me and had been around since I was born.) When the first one passed on, it hit me pretty hard and I never fully got over it for years. Then came Abby...just about the sweetest living creature in the world. When she died I cried for a long time. Atleast I got to kind of say good bye to her though, cuz she kinda almost died in front of me. Even 5 years later, I imagine her around the corner in the old house sometimes, or just within reach while lying down on the couch, and then I realize she's not there. I still miss her greatly. People who don't understand the importance of animals are missing out on a lot. It doesn't matter what you believe, God or Great Spirit(s), Buddha, etc. gave souls and importance to animals. Including hamsters!
Whew...i get going on my tangents don't I? I'm a go grab some more nachos now.