Keeping everything is hopefully completely normal, it takes time to come to terms with losing our beloved Tripawds......Speaking for myself, I still have every single bottle of leftover meds from my Polly from over the years, her blanket and coat I made for her years ago, are still hanging over my bedroom door, and her leftover food is still downstairs in a container that I just can't bring myself to get rid of. So many other things I am holding on to as well, but these are the main things that pop up for me. But I have made some strides along the way, such as recently pulling out her food bowls while sobbing, so new pup Zuzu can use them, and finally letting both Pearl and Zuzu play with one or two toys that were Polly's and Maggie's play things.......little steps......

Still keeping you and your family in my thoughts,
Love,
Bonnie, Angel Polly, and new crew

P.S. Your last post regarding your son, and the tulips, and moving Doc into Marshall's crate, was very emotional and moving, it made me cry......I love Sally's idea of a memorial garden for Marshall.....and I also agree with her that Marshall's journey was a courageous and inspirational one.....just take one day at a time.

Agreed, there are no timelines here. I have even seen such a difference here in how different people cope. I am a keeper! I still have meds.  Be kind to yourself. Your son is so sweet. Bringing you flowers. Maybe he would like to help with a garden. All orange flowers! Making a memory garden helped a lot. Ty's ashes are inside in my office, but I still wanted him to have a spot of honor. I find comfort in looking out and seeing his solar light shining on his nameplate. He has left signs there for me also. This is such a rough, rough journey. I wish I could make it easier for you. The only way is through it. Time helps. Eventually, you will realize you have gone a few days without crying. Then eventually a a week. You will be able to think of the funny things he did and smile. Maybe your son could put a message in a balloon and send it to Marshall. Bringing the ashes home was for me bittersweet. It was a while before I actually found comfort in having them here. I had mixed feelings. Giving him a garden helped. thinking of you and your family, Lori, Ty & Gang

benny55 said
Nice suggestions Lori. Maybe you could post a pic here of Ty's "place of honor". I remember when you first showed it to us..very sweet...very Ty. I even got one of the same "stones" for my Happy Hannah.

And yeah, I can actually remember the day I went almost the whole day without crying a lot. It was at the two month mark. Time...your own time frame...will help.

Here is Ty's garden. I had company the other night. He said, someone lost a shoe out in your yard. I was like "if you touch that shoe!!!!!!" Not really! I explained that I found that shoe outside after Ty died. It was where he had last drug it. I knew he needed a shoe there. I may add a new plant or flower this year. I now have Ty's angel dog necklace along with one that was sent as a gift hanging from my rearview mirror. That way he travels with me every day in a way.

Yes, the grief is that way. Comes in waves. Just when you think you have it all together, it all comes flooding back. i am glad your son has all of his memory things in his room to bring him some measure of comfort. Having another dog does help, they NEVER take the place of the one you have lost, that spot in your heart is reserved, they just wiggle themselves into their own little spot. Sometimes, it takes a while, but that is ok. Give yourself time, don't let anyone rush you through this process. thinking of you, Lori, TY & the gang