Pamela- Thanks for all the encouraging advise,i will try to do some of the things you mentioned.I will also watch the you tube video because i can definitely use some laughter.Since my little Trouble died everything has stop!!

When I lost my dog Christie, I turned to her sister Agatha for comfort. But they were litter mates and I had been bonding with both of them for 14 years. It sounds like your yorkie is a relatively new addition to your home and you didn’t have a lot of time to bond with him before your first dog died.

You might not feel much like doing new things, but perhaps you’d find it worthwhile to find a new and different activity with your remaining pup. Take him to a dog-friendly restaurant you’ve never been to. Go for a special walk. Or take a class together on nose work, agility or obedience.

I know it’s really hard to force yourself to do things when you’re feeling so bad. But doing something new and simple together will give you a break from your sad feelings and help you get to know your pup for who he is. And maybe he will help you feel better as you develop a very different bond with this new dog.

And of course, be kind to yourself and try not to feel too bad that you haven’t bonded to this new pup. He’ll never be the same as your other dog. But in time, you may find a very special new friend.

And when you’re ready for a laugh about yorkie antics, check out https://www.youtube.com/user/DextersRuffLife. Dexter has something to make almost anyone laugh.

Pamela-Thank you so much. Do you think in time i will learn to love my other dog? Off course i do not want him to feel abandoned if that even makes sense.I do try my hardest everyday to play with him but all i remember is my other dog.Do you have any suggestions for someone like me?

I’m so sorry for your loss. Your heart must be aching.

It has been such a short time since your pup died. I hope that with time you will begin to heal just a little (although you’ll always miss your dog) and come to enjoy the yorkie who is now sharing your life.

My heart goes out to you.

Anyway, I’ve never experienced the death of a pet before. I sympathize with those who who have lost pets because I imagine it’s so, so hard, but I can’t imagine what it’s like. Well, I couldn’t imagine it until I read these comments. I already feel sadness and emptiness when she’s at the vet for hours (which isn’t often). I can’t imagine when it’s forever…

Thanks for the suggestion, Ruthie. APLB sounds like a wonderful organization and I’ll check them out.

Back in Ithaca, I also knew a therapist who specialized in pet bereavement. She used to host monthly open meetings where people could get support from other people who understand what they’re going through IRL.

Her bowl is still out on the floor. Half is a water bowl, so I just tell myself I’m leaving it there so Tavish can have options of where to get a drink in the kitchen.

(I eventually did vacuum… after quite some time. Lucky for me, Bella hair is pretty stubborn, and I still find some over a year later.)

And we can never predict how a particular death is going to affect us.

The loss of a human family member is terrible but also filled with complex and conflicting feelings. Perhaps because our love for animals is pure and simple, our grief at their loss is so intense.

Roxanne did talk about the importance of doing a project while grieving a heart dog. It sounds like your picture project for Dylan confirms how helpful it can be.

Unfortunately nothing will ever fill the hole in your heart left by Leo. But luckily your heart will grow and grow in love for Harley, Jax, and every other dog that enters your life.