I am so, so sorry that you are going through these wrenching feelings. We love our furbabies so much and it's so hard to lose them. You're not alone; we've been there and we understand. I remember feeling just like you when we lost our last 2 dogs. I couldn't stop crying or go to work when our dog (that raised our kids) died. Time eventually helps, but to be honest, for me, after every dog I've lost, the only thing that eventually helped me feel better was getting our other dogs. I just always seem to need another dog to fill that huge hole in my heart. But we're all different, and that's not right for everyone. Also, some people need more time than others. You will find which path is right for you.

Your Daisy was so, so special-how could you not feel this sad. We are all here for you and understand how you feel. You are not alone here; thank heavens for this community.

Sending you healing thoughts and many hugs,

Joan

I wish there was some magical wand that could be waved to get rid of the worst of the pain but there isn't one.

It does get better but the time is different for everyone.  For me that first month was so hard. I know what you mean when you say the pain is unbearable. I was fortunate to have a husband who understood my pain and a couple of friends who were understanding but my extended family, friends and colleagues were clueless. And that compounds the grief because you find yourself grieving in silence.  It was only on-line that I could really connect with people who understood.

I couldn't agree more with Jerry. A creative project to honour Magnum certainly helped me channel my energy.  It really helped me to write about her, hence "Magnum's Memoirs" was born.  I also put together a photo album of her journey with cancer.  It was bitter sweet to go back over the photos but more sweet than bitter.

When we adopted our rescue girl Ruby about 3 and a half months later I felt it was too soon but I have to admit, she helped reduce the flood of tears to a trickle. She isn't a replacement for Magnum.  She is another dog in her own right. But she gave me another furry friend to fuss over and fill some of the empty space in my heart.

Hang in there.  Get grief counselling if you think you need it (I did and it did help, especially with some of the regrets and what ifs I was torturing myself with). 

You are not alone. We are here for you.

Karen and Spirit Magnum

I've been lucky enough to only have to say goodbye to my childhood dog and two kitties (whose death's were unexpected and untimely) in my lifetime. I do know that they were some of the hardest times in my life. 

There are 3 things that have helped me (and just by posting here you are doing one of them). 

1. Reach out to others who understand your pain. Not everyone feels the way that we do about our pets. Don't let anyone EVER tell you its just a dog. Because they're not. They're our children, a part of our family and we grieve for them the way we would grieve for a human family member. Listen or read other people's stories. You'll come to understand that you are not alone or isolated in this. 

2. Tell Daisy's story. It doesn't matter if it is just for you in a journal or for the world to see on a blog or post. My first loss of a dog I wrote about on my company's blog. It took me DAYS to write it out, because I couldn't see through the tears, but it was so therapeutic once I was finished. I still tear up every time I read it. I feel like it is a fitting memorial about my little sister Frankie and helps me to remember the good times. 

3. To a point I agree with Joan on adopting another furry friend. Maybe for a slightly different reason though and only when you are ready. I have rescued (in one way or another) all of my pets. Since I saved them from their various fates of either being strays or living their lives in shelters, I feel that my pets would want me to save another in their place. You are not replacing Daisy in any way. You are helping another dog and keeping Daisy's legacy alive. This image has been floating around the net for a while, but I always thought it was very special and definitely explains how I feel about getting another dog.

My heart aches for you and your loss. I hope you can find some comfort in the support you can find here. 

Heather

I know it doesn't seem like it now but it will get better.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  We are lucky that we have this community to support us when we need it.  You a NOT alone.  We have all been there.  Some losses for me have been harder than others.  When my senior pets have left me I grieve for them but know they lived a full life.  It is the ones that die too young or too suddenly that are harder to accept.  Hopefully soon your tears will be replaced with smiles as you remember the funny sweet goofy things your Daisy did.

Hugs to you.

Marla and Daisy

Hi Alicia,
I'm so sorry for you loss. It is very evident how much you loved your sweet Daisy. Grief is such a terrible thing; much like a tidal wave. Right now the waves of grief are over powering. Each person handles it in their own way. I can suggest talking about Daisy. Remember the good, funny, sad and crazy times you shared. Honor her every day. I still choke up over my sweet pup we lost nearly two years ago. I find it easier to think of the good times, but it took a couple of months. We just lost our sweet Sallie a week and a half ago and I'm still a little numb. Whatever you do, don't hold it in. She was something special and it's clear you loved her immensely- that's why it hurts so much. I hope you find peace.