I can honestly say, time heals. . . my 15 year old cat passed away in January. Luckily we didn't have to make the difficult decision to have her put down, but it was excrutiating to watch her shut down and stop being herself.
For a few months, I kept almost seeing her every few minutes, around the corner, at the door, but now I realise it happens less and less.
Another thing we have done to help is transfer some attention to the other cat, who we never had paid that much attention to, which I am sure has helped.
People who don't consider it as a loss, simply have not ever had a close connection with a pet!

Thank you for your kind and understanding words!

Aww, I'm so sorry. And yes, I, for one, can surely understand that our pets are our family, they're like our children. I'm so sorry for your loss. Try to remember that your little Yorkie had the very best of care and you did such a service to her in providing a loving home. I know that healing takes time. We recover over time although we never forget. I guess they're only on loan to us, to love and them and have them as part of our family. You gave him a wonderful life.

So sorry for your loss. I have a fair deal of experience in this area as I am a veterinary technician. The first thing to do is take solace in the knowledge that you did the right, and humane, thing for your beloved pet, and cherish the memories you have of him. I'm sure they are endless. 17 is a good, long life for the breed. I know it's hard to let go, but Anne8 said it right. Time will heal. Also know that you have room in your heart for another pet, someday, if you choose. My advice on that is to give it some time before taking in another pet. You'll have passed the mourning stage, and it won't feel like you're replacing him, but just getting a new friend. Also know that you feeling this way is a sign of a really good owner.

I'm so sorry :(. This site helped me when I lost my "baby." http://www.rainbowbridge.com/

Pets are like family. I had a cat for 14 years. She wasn't even sweet. I lost her 3 years ago and just the other day I cried over it! I get it and I am sorry for your loss. Pets love us unconditionally.

Thank you all for your kind replies! The heart hurts but time and kind words and good advice helps!

I'm so sorry for your loss and understand how you feel. We lost our 5 yr old lab in October to glomeruli nephritis. He was diagnosed at 2 hrs old and we had a tough three years fighting for his life. Both my husband and I still have a very hard time with his passing but we also have a German shorthair so it helps and we recently adopted another German shorthair puppy to give our adult a new mate because he went into a depression. In time it does get better and you'll smile again when you think of your baby. The rainbow bridge link posted by Katmv is very helpful.

As others saod, any pet loss is like a member of the family & in some ways worse as they are always there for you (where family have other things to do/people to see etc.) A dog is a friend for life even after they have gone to doggie heaven as you still remember them & hopefully have photos of them in frames in the house. That is my memories a lot now & it takes time.
Eventually when the time is right you might get another dog, depends on what you want. Remember you did the right thing by releasing him from pain too. 17 x7 is old in anyone's book & I vaguely remember being told that 1 year doggie =7 human years.
Cry when you want but remember the good times too.

Thank you AusSue for your kind words! Yes, I have pictures as does my Mother in a frame!

Maybe this could help in a small way...
I have read that when people pass away, their heaven is exactly what
would make them feel the happiest.

You could picture being re-united with your Yorkie then with all the best
family members that you have lost along the way.
If you have time, tell us why Yorkies make a good choice of dog. We plan to adopt in the next year, like the idea of a Yorkie cross.

Thank you to every one who posted ! It does my heart good to know there are such wonderful people on DS!

I'm so sorry for your loss. I had to put my 15 year old cat, Callie to sleep a week and a half ago and I live alone so it has been hard to say the least. I was diagnosed this past December with ms and my girl was already going downhill so it was a double wammy to say the least. I know how you feel and I understand how much you hurt.

Connie