Man's Best Friend

Originally Posted by Cybermat47

I think anyone who's had a Dog can understand this.

Absolutely.

Had to let my Siberian Husky go in 2007, after he was with me for almost 13 years. In the end he had troubles with his joints, was almost blind (which happened very fast and sudden) and just couldn't enjoy life that much anymore.
When it happened, it was terrible. I cried like an infant and needed weeks to accept that my best friend is just not there anymore to take up the most space in my bed, stealing the blanket (I kid you not) or just giving one of his concerts in the evenings (Huskies sing a lot...) and being totally bonkers in general (Huskies are... well... Huskies).

After one year, hard to say afterwards, the pain went away and changed into happiness and gratefulness for the time I had with him. It sure makes me sad sometimes when I think of him, but I know we had a good time and he had a good life with us - and that's what counts.

For now, just try to accept the sadness, don't push it away nor bath in it, just accept it being your companion for quite a while. It goes away on its own and leaves you stronger than ever.