How many of you still grieve over the loss of your pet?

[IrishAyes]

66. You're a wonderful human being to even be thinking of others in the midst of your own grief.

My sincerest condolences. A current intention not to get another pet is understandable, but I hope temporary. When you have a few more days to catch your breath, start to think of all the poor shelter dogs who need the loving home you can give them. Don't do it for yourself. Do it for them and all the other furkids in your life, from the past to the future. Wherever they are, Sara and Lance (etc.) will bless you for it. And you will start to feel better. If you're a dog lover, there's no other way.

When I had to put down my 2 chows (littermate sisters) after 16 years, it nearly killed me too. A neighbor with a backhoe dug a grave for them 7 feet deep, and the vet came out. When it was done, I turned away because I couldn't bear to see them lowered in their blanket, together as they'd always been. I stumbled away bawling something about how I wished Doc could put me in there with them. And I meant it, too.

Not very long afterward someone brought me a sweet little mini-Beagle/Pom mix who badly needed a home. After she'd twisted me around her little paws, she guilted me into getting her a stepsister. Every time she'd see another dog IRL or even on tv, she'd whine and look at me, then back at the other dog, and back at me again to be sure I understood. She was happy enough, but not in high cotton yet. When a friend who belongs to a rescue group convinced me to take a nearly starved smoothcoat JRT, they set up a 400-mile relay to bring her to me. That poor thing spent the first night cuddled on my stomach, and I fed her a tiny bit of food hourly so as not to overtax her stomach. Fortunately the two dogs are just crazy about each other. And they keep me from going any crazier than I already am.

Yes, I still cry sometimes when I think about my chows or look at their grave. But it's our charge in life to look after the little animals, and I pray that your heart will mend a bit very soon so you can take up the calling again. You know that's a large part of what you're made for. And I don't need to tell you how blessed you will be.