2Quilt, my deepest condolansces for your loss. The loss of a pet is the same as the loss of a precious person from your life. I have felt that pain recently myself. Some people might say, her lifting her head to meet your hand was her spirit still lingering in the body, even though she'd past into the next realm. With my own experiences, I am inclined to allow for that possibility. I hope you still talk to her, that has helped me immensely with the loss of my little Rufus.
take care,
Dave
take care,
Dave