Everything you're feeling right now is completely normal - crying at pictures, stating that you don't want another dog ever, etc. You will never stop missing Jake, but the pain will dull over time - I promise you that. Don't take the pictures down - keep them up and add more! They will help keep Jake in your heart and mind, and eventually you will smile at the memories you have of those pictures and not cry.

If you should ever feel that you'd like another dog, do it! No, no one can ever replace Jake but there are lots of other great dogs out there in need of a good home. They're not your Jake but they will grow into their own personalities with you and you will love them for who they are, just as you did with Jake.

As for his food - shelters would love to have you donate that. They need so much help, they're grateful for any little bit anyone can give them.

I don't want to think of the day that I'll lose Samantha. I was in hysterics over having to give Lila back after only having her for four days, so I can't imagine how I'll feel in 15 (or more, I hope) years when it's Sam's time to go. However, I want to get a personalized marker/stone for the garden in her honor and then I plan on having her cremated and kept in an urn until *I* go - and then I want her urn placed in my casket with me.