I just thought I'd stop by and say thank you for the kind words. It's been over two months and I'm still not doing too well. I am back on medication and drinking more and I am still breaking down more often and worse when I do, having more panic attacks, etc.
I realized he was much more than just a best friend to me. He was an anchor, calming aid, and mood stabilizer better than any medication could ever do.
I have since realized I more than qualify for an emotional support animal, which would allow me to live with a therapy dog in housing that normally does not allow pets, but since I am currently living at home with my family and not paying rent, I'm not sure I can use my prescription of an ESA and they do not want another dog in the house.
Eliza is still very nervous, and still not quite as adjusted as she was when she had her support system. He guided her through a lot of things. She was born a feral dog and only came to live inside when she was about six months old when the Terre Haute Humane Society caught her. She is very attached to my mother and despite being walked a good four miles a day past other joggers, walkers, dogs, etc, is still very shy.