I lost my Queensland Heeler last Sept and I am still crying off and on plus miss him incredible. So i know how hard it is...in fact he was like my 8th dog, so I have gone through it a lot.
I can say this..really hard like you say...those unconditional loving eyes are just not there when you arrive home...or with me he is not laying next to me. I miss him most on dog walks.
But it will get better as time goes on...you may always shed a tear or two recalling him but the constant pain will stop.
I hope you will consider, in time, to get another dog. Many people stop because it does hurt so much but there is world of dogs whom need homes..so hopefully you will consider it down the road.
BUT my heart goes out to you, there are dog grief sites and places like UCD( university of Calif at Davis) or any Vet college in your state usually do have grief support lines if you really need to speak to specialist.
I still left Doc's buddy ball out on the front porch..and I kept his last two pine cones...he carry them around while on dog walks. When we ran into people he toss them at them to throw. Or while we walked, he drop them for me to hit them with my walking sticks.
You can do memorials in his name at many humane centers. I did a memorial like for a person at Sac Library but was for my first dog..who was very special. Most are, but some are more. Doc was one of the more!
My mom wrote and illustrated a book about her little dog that kind of looks like your. She also had kept her hair each time she brushed her than had it made into yarn which she made small blanket out of!
So people do many things to grieve...best thing is look at all the other people who love dogs, cats etc as you do!
Oh...my older sister believes in giving all her people under her time off like it was family member! Grief leave!
If you like to write to me about your dog, I love to hear about them, if it helps you. I am very sorry about your loss but I am happy your dog got to pass with love surrounding them.

bill- thanks again you are so sweet!

lorilynn- I think you are right, time will help this heart ache. When Little Bit and my Malcom died in our arms at least that is the best place for them to pass. Thank you for sharing your experience its really comforting.

angelsits sweet how you said right now cry as much as you want for your baby. I cry most of the day. Somehow I wonder if I should be *feeling* this or that or that I should stop crying etc etc my husband has been such a wonderful support he loved him too- he understands when I cry right out of the blue as well Thank you for that

breezing- thank you for your reply yes exactly right, just like a family member ( but your favorite one.) ;)

min-- thank you for the gentle hugs you are such a sweet sweet lady

Dixiethank you for replying and giving me a hug.

Keesthank you for that ideayou know thats a really good idea. I can see how that would bring smiles. I just might do that after a little while.

Sisahh Im SO sorry for your loss that wasnt very long ago at all! I cried while reading about the pine cone tosses what is cuter than that! I wish we would have known that it is actually possible to make something out of fur. People thought we were a little strange because we would kinda joke around about making something out of his fur because it was SO SOFT> ! The color looks white in photos but he actually had a beautiful cramy beige/ blonde coat with a little spot of white on the top of his head. It was like silk. We were more serious than just joking. Its really nice to know that she was able to make that happen! I would like to see her book, is there a way to see the illustrations? Also when you said I could write to you if I needed to talk about my dog thank you, I am touched by your support! It really does make me feel bettervery comforting. Thank you so much

You are ALL the BEST ! THANK YOU!

My DH just picked up Malcoms ashes... The Vets office did the most beautiful thing. After he died, they must have put his paw in some cement stuff ( small little circle - perfect) so we would have a permanent reminder/ memento of his little paw... they also wrote his name underneath it... so so nice so touching...

I didn't know that some vet clinics do this (although we have never been through this before) I hope others have had the same experience... it was such an beautiful gesture and thoughtful surprise! I was not expecting that at all... ;)

Thanks for reading-- hope all is well with everyone...

I'm so very, very sorry. I've lost two of ours in the last couple years. I know how you feel. It's so horrible.....I cant even read through all the responses cause it just brings back sad, sad times....but it will get easier.

Please adopt another as soon as your able. Not to replace the one you just lost....it's impossible to replace a love lost like this. But it does help you heal, it really will.

You're in my prayers....
Gentle hugs,
Deb

When I lost my Collie when I was little, I saw her around the yard several times. Then one day she turned to look at me as if to say, "it is time to no longer be sad. I will wait for you on the other side." I never saw her again but it gave me a lot of peace.

Your going to be OK. Just greive the lose like any lose. This is big. Cry, scream, bargain with God, sit and eat ice cream.

Here is a great site explaining the stages of grief so you know you are not crazy. You can face everyone of these in the same day, be lost in one stage for a couple days. There is no ONE WAY to grieve.


http://www.recover-from-grief.com/7-stages-of-grief.html

Here is the grief model called "The 7 Stages of Grief":


7 Stages of Grief...

1. SHOCK & DENIAL-
You will probably react to learning of the loss with numbed disbelief. You may deny the reality of the loss at some level, in order to avoid the pain. Shock provides emotional protection from being overwhelmed all at once. This may last for weeks.

2. PAIN & GUILT-
As the shock wears off, it is replaced with the suffering of unbelievable pain. Although excruciating and almost unbearable, it is important that you experience the pain fully, and not hide it, avoid it or escape from it with alcohol or drugs.

You may have guilty feelings or remorse over things you did or didn't do with your loved one. Life feels chaotic and scary during this phase.

3. ANGER & BARGAINING-
Frustration gives way to anger, and you may lash out and lay unwarranted blame for the death on someone else. Please try to control this, as permanent damage to your relationships may result. This is a time for the release of bottled up emotion.

You may rail against fate, questioning "Why me?" You may also try to bargain in vain with the powers that be for a way out of your despair ("I will never drink again if you just bring him back")

4. "DEPRESSION", REFLECTION, LONELINESS-
Just when your friends may think you should be getting on with your life, a long period of sad reflection will likely overtake you. This is a normal stage of grief, so do not be "talked out of it" by well-meaning outsiders. Encouragement from others is not helpful to you during this stage of grieving.

During this time, you finally realize the true magnitude of your loss, and it depresses you. You may isolate yourself on purpose, reflect on things you did with your lost one, and focus on memories of the past. You may sense feelings of emptiness or despair.

7 Stages of Grief...

5. THE UPWARD TURN-
As you start to adjust to life without your dear one, your life becomes a little calmer and more organized. Your physical symptoms lessen, and your "depression" begins to lift slightly.

6. RECONSTRUCTION & WORKING THROUGH-
As you become more functional, your mind starts working again, and you will find yourself seeking realistic solutions to problems posed by life without your loved one. You will start to work on practical and financial problems and reconstructing yourself and your life without him or her.

7. ACCEPTANCE & HOPE-
During this, the last of the seven stages in this grief model, you learn to accept and deal with the reality of your situation. Acceptance does not necessarily mean instant happiness. Given the pain and turmoil you have experienced, you can never return to the carefree, untroubled YOU that existed before this tragedy. But you will find a way forward.

7 stages of grief...

You will start to look forward and actually plan things for the future. Eventually, you will be able to think about your lost loved one without pain; sadness, yes, but the wrenching pain will be gone. You will once again anticipate some good times to come, and yes, even find joy again in the experience of living.

YES IN TIME IT GETS BETTER, LOVING HUGS LUCY**

Sending hugs your way...so sorry for you loss.

I don't know you, but I am sending you love and hugs. It does get better. However, with that said, you will never forget the love you had for your dog. Try to remember the good times and that he isn't suffering any longer. My 18 year old Kizzy cat passed away on Valentine's day 2011. I still cry about her at times. Your dog was loved and the important thing to remember is that he went knowing that.

Laady I'm so sorry to heaar about your dog. They are a part of us and when they pass it is so hard. I will keep you in my prrayers hon. Try to remember the good memories that you had and it helps easse the pain . May God wrap his loving arms around your loving dog and keep him company til you see him again. Angela

I am sorry for your loss I know its hard and it will get better with time you just have to take it one day at a time....

I am so sorry for your loss and can empathize as I lost my dear Heidi Girl ( a shephard) just before Thanksgiving. Pets DO and ARE our family members. I know my daughter is going to be shattered when her dear Min-Min or Mickey (our tiger cats) go.
I am giving you a website that has helped me and many others suffering the grief of losing a pet. It takes time hon, but DO allow yourself to grieve. Gentle hugs, xoxoLyn
rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm, hope it helps. If this isn't the correct site address, google rainbow bridge and the sites will pop up.