Losing a pet is so hard. Like losing anyone you love, it is a long healing process. It is normal to miss your lost pet, but you must remember that your life must go on. Your sweet dog loved you, and would want you to be happy.

In high school, I lost my first dog, a 10 year old Golden Retriever to cancer. She had had tumors removed in the past, but this trip to the vet was sudden. It was a saturday and I, as most teenagers do, was sleeping in. Ginger was acting funny and could hardly walk. My parents rushed her to the vet, not knowing what the problem was. Her liver was engulfed in cancer and there was no way to help her. Rather than to extend her pain, my parents made the decision to put her to sleep right then. I woke up, while my parents were at the vet and was shocked when they came home, without Ginger. For at least a month afterward, I slept with my light on at night. The house was so empty. I felt vulnerable and incomplete. I missed her so much (Eight years later, I am still on the verge of tears re-living this story).

Within a few months, after her death, my family did something we had never done before. We rescued a pup from a shelter. I will never forget Ginger, but I know, being the wonderful dog that she was, she would never want her family to dwell upon her death. Helping another dog was a way for my family to build on the positive aspects of Gingers' life and all that she gave to us.

Sometimes, in the process of grieving, people find it helpful to do something in the name of their lost loved one. You may want to make a small donation to a pet charity in the name of your dog. You may also want to do something else to help unfortunate animals that are still living. I believe that our lost pups would want us to help others. No sweet animal will ever be forgotten, but there are so many still alive that desperately need someone to love them.

I'm am truly sorry for your loss. I hope you will soon find the emotional peace you are looking for.