Thanks for you comforting thoughts everyone.  Today I had to go back to work after taking a few days off to grieve.  It was good to be working again– it helped get my mind off of this for at least a little while.  However, this was also the first day I had to come home to an empty house after work.  It was awful and made me miss her so much.  I know moving on and letting go is important, but at the same time it scares me.  Every day that goes by gets me closer to healing, but it also makes me feel like I am getting farther away from Molly… farther away from the last time I saw and held her.  Already some of the memories are fading and it makes me so sad.  I can still remember most things of course, but the more sensory-related feelings I knew of holding her in my arms, petting her soft fur, smelling my favorite spot behind her big floppy ears (and her yummy smelling paws), or having her lick my face are starting to fade and it has only been four days.  It is just so hard to move on without her.  

Karen- I can totally relate to your routines comment.  This morning I got up at my normal time of 5 a.m.  When the alarm rang the first thing my mind jumped to was "time to feed Molly".  It took me a second to remember that she was gone.  Then I was ready for work far too early because usually it took me over 30 minutes to go through Molly's morning routine.   

-Heidi

I read your post about Molly's things lying around and how you don't know what to do with them… For graduation, I made a shadow box of memorabilia (hat, tassel, event invitation, stole of gratitude with poems to each parent etc…) for each of my parents as a way to preserve the memory of that day.  You can get them at most any craft store and I provided a link to Michaels Arts& Crafts as an example. If you go to a store (Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michaels, or whatever is near you), they usually have more options for larger sizes.

Basically you can put some of her things in a shadow box (on your own to figure out how to arrange them) with some pictures of her or some notes you personally write about good memories, funny habits, etc of Molly. The harness you could probably mount by itself, but some toys of hers I am sure you can sure fit inside (depending on the size/depth box you buy)!!!  

This way you can still look at her things, but have the added "chic" factor by having them nicely mounted as your custom wall art!! I don't have a picture of my college graduation one, but I am sure if you google "shadow boxes" you can find examples from other people. 

http://www.mich…..hadowboxes

-Chloe's mom

Heidi,

I am so sorry for your loss. Molly had a wonderful life and a family so full of love and compassion. The photos are a beautiful portrayal of this.

RIP sweet Molly

Fortis'Dad

Heidi,

I'm so sorry to hear about Molly…  I know how sad and empty you are feeling… It's almost 10 months since I lost my sweet Jake… and I still miss him so much.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers… Rest in peace sweet angel Molly!

Angel Jake and Wolfie's Mom