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It's times like this that show why it'd be a good idea to let players give their minions (and mounts) nicknames. Could even take this a step further by implementing a minion dye system, which in this case would allow OP to also use one of the relevant grey-shade dyes to get the minion reasonably close to matching.
As someone who has had a multitude of pets of all kinds (from cats and dogs, to fish, to frogs and newts, to turtles and snakes... and more besides) and has suffered through the loss of a great many of them over time... I know how it can feel when a pet you've spent a great many years with passes.
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Whilst I understand if they did this everyone would ask for their own personal in game pet, I think it would be a lovely gesture. Especially for someone who has committed themselves to this game as much as you have. Sorry for your loss.