I had a heart dog when I was little and didn’t think I could love another. She was so sweet and smart and calm. When Covid hit we got a family dog and he is the opposite of my childhood dog. He is messy, has separation anxiety and is goofy and I love him so much. No one outwardly loves me as much as this dog. Two different dogs but each is unique and I realize your heart grows to let love grow for a new animal. I am saying this as your dog will never be replaced but you will hopefully add another and will find love again. Peace!!’

I am one of the PPs who posted after you OP that I just lost my 13.5 year old lab as well. Well, we got an Aussie puppy last week and no I haven't forgotten my old girl, but I love dogs, and am just happy to have a new life with us bringing fun and energy. I am a person who always has to have a dog, usually two

Been there too many times, and I still have trouble with these losses. One in particular leveled me for almost a year, and all of them caused major grief and sadness. It's real grief, real heartbreak without any of the comforts of human loss- there's no funeral or consideration from friends and family regarding the enormous loss other than a couple of conciliatory comments. And, frequently, it is loss we initiate ans pay for even though we know how hard it hurts.

You may find the courage to love another dog, and it will not be a replacement, but an "and."

I’m so sorry! I hope it gets a bit easier soon. It is like losing a family member.

I still miss him so much.

I understand. My golden retrievers are the loves of my life. I would be heartbroken if anything happened to one of them. Their personalities are so unique, and they are so full of joy and unconditional love. I’m sorry op. Sending you love.

Sorry OP. You two were lucky to have had eachother. I hope you find solace with that and the sadness will gradually get less frequent

Anonymous wrote:And it feels like such a lonely loss as I know so many people think he was just a dog. But he was my guy and I loved him so much. We had been together for a long time and shared so much of life. I find myself crying at random times.

Big warm hug to you OP, and I am so very sorry. He was not *just a dog* - he was the best dog, wasn't he? It's so incredibly hard - I still tear up a little bit a year after losing my sweet girl (who was also the *best* dog) last year. Totally understandable, and I wish you peace and getting to a place where you can smile fondly over your great memories of your sweet guy.

OP - get another dog. The energy of a new dog, the energy required of you, will squash any sadness. You just won't have the time or energy to be sad.

Anonymous wrote:And it feels like such a lonely loss as I know so many people think he was just a dog. But he was my guy and I loved him so much. We had been together for a long time and shared so much of life. I find myself crying at random times.

I’m so sorry.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP you will never forget your first dog, the love is there forever. The grief does dissipate faster though if you bring another dog into your life. You’ll get back to walking them, being greeted when you walk in etc. you are not replacing them, but you are helping another dog that needs a home. ( assuming you rescue)

I am thinking about getting another dog. It would have to be something very different from my sweet guy. I don’t think I could handle the comparison if they were similar.

Maybe a girl and a different breed that's a different color/shape?

Anonymous wrote:OP you will never forget your first dog, the love is there forever. The grief does dissipate faster though if you bring another dog into your life. You’ll get back to walking them, being greeted when you walk in etc. you are not replacing them, but you are helping another dog that needs a home. ( assuming you rescue)

I am thinking about getting another dog. It would have to be something very different from my sweet guy. I don’t think I could handle the comparison if they were similar.

OP you will never forget your first dog, the love is there forever. The grief does dissipate faster though if you bring another dog into your life. You’ll get back to walking them, being greeted when you walk in etc. you are not replacing them, but you are helping another dog that needs a home. ( assuming you rescue)

I'm sorry. In time you'll find a new "sibling" dog to comfort you and carry your lost pal's spirit.

I am sorry, OP.