I am so sorry for your loss, sweetheart. Your cat was beautiful and, no doubt, thoroughly loved!!!
The loss of any family pet is tragic, whether they leave us via shocking accident or old age, whether we've had them weeks, months, or many years. It is NEVER easy, I can tell you that. The sadness lingers and it takes a while sometimes to open one's heart to a new furry, feathered, or scaly friend.
My son just lost his cat last week, after having and loving him for 15 1/2 years. We made the decision to let him go, but it was a heartwrenching one for me (as the 'mom') and for him, as this was the first and only family pet he's ever had such a connection with. My big, strong boy was sitting there, petting his kitteh with tears running down his face before the vet arrived to help us let the cat rest peacefully. I'm still crying as I type this.
So, please know you are in my thoughts... your loss is tragic, but I would strongly caution that, in the future, you never let your beloved friends outside except on a leash. We live in the country, but we instituted that rule and it's served our pets well.
Again, I'm so VERY sorry for your loss. Know that your darling Snowie will be there, waiting to greet you at the Rainbow Bridge.
http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

~~Wiccan~~