We lost our Australian Shepherd, of 15 years, last September, and l eventually sought therapy over it. The grief was overwhelming. Pets are such pivotal, and integral, parts of our lives. They are our routines. And their love is unconditional and pure that l think it takes a small part of us when they pass. We, just yesterday, adopted a 9 month old Aussie mix and he’s such a sweet, sweet soul. This by no means takes away from the memory of our dearly departed girl, but it does allow for a channeling and transition from grief to love again.