What a handsome fellow.

I hope this link works - its so tender & might give you a smile. A Dog’s Purpose - World Wildlife News

Thank you, Jackie - out of the mouths of babes.

Im so sorry for your loss. Shadow is beautiful. I can totally relate, I adopted a 7 yr old German Shepherd from a rescue and lost him when he was 10 to double hip dysplasia about 3 years ago. He was also my shadow and I still miss him to this day. GSD's are so loyal and give you a lifetime of love. Rest in Peace Shadow.

Thanks Emily
I know he will be looking after me. I just never thought he would leave such a big void in my life.

By the way I love your hyacinth it is absolutely beautiful.
Tammy

Jan
I have known for about a year that his hips weren't good but with supplements and medication he was fine and now in the last four months his deterioration was really quick. The vet explained that the nerve was dissappearing in this back and that was why he kept losing his back legs, also there was a lot of pain.

I cannot believe how empty I feel without this boy. I have even caught myself looking for him and when I get up at night I have stepped over where he usually sleeps, next to my bed. I even wake thinkng I hear him asking to go out at night. A couple of people have asked me what my next dog is and when am I going to get another one. I am just not ready and I don't know what dog I want. They just don't understand how heart broken I am.

Thanks Jac, excellent and oh so true.
Tammy

Last year I lost my last cat - she was so special to me & everyone was heart broken around here - none more so than me as I couldn't face replacing her. We cat sit a friend's cat each week & I found I couldn't even hold her without the pain. I've been like that with my dogs too. Sometimes you can transfer your love of animals to a new pet & share your loss with them. I have been able to do this in the past. With the loss of Vive I wasn't able to.

Now after a year & a bit, I can actually laugh about some of our best memories, without sadness of loss. I think if we had a more separate area for our birds I am now ready to bring another cat or dog into my life. I do cat sit & its easier than it was & I've been thinking of offering my home as a dog foster. It certainly would get me out!

I'm afraid the healing may be slow. Your dog was special. I focused on the fun times & the really silly ones if I was remembering. You have to remember with some joy. I think that helps with the healing.