Missing my dog terribly of late.
It's curious, I don't remember being this torn up when my first dog died. I missed her, & I was sad for a while, but I don't remember feeling the same ache or breaking into tears even months later.
I'm at least well on the way to being OK with getting another dog: I don't feel like I'd be wanting or trying to replace the one recently lost. I figured once I got to that point I'd have an emotional foundation for getting a new dog.
@Impious_Jade I had a similar experience, and someone said to me, "Well that cat was your forever cat," and it just sat differently after that.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
@Coffee_and_Salt Ouch, that tracks. I fell in love with both my dogs but the second was more the Heart Dog, if that makes sense. We needed each other more as the years passed.
@Impious_Jade it absolutely makes sense. it's not about a lack of love for one or any others, but there's something that's just specific and special all on its own. I'm glad you two got to have that kind of bond.
@Impious_Jade Every grief is different, be kind to yourself
Like, I miss my 2nd dog so much it's physically hurts. It's been a bit of time & the loss isn't that far under the surface - I still well up with tears when I see a picture of him, that sort of thing.