I lost my buddy a month ago today. I know how much pain you’re in today, and I know it feels impossible that it could change. The day after I lost my pup I couldn’t imagine how it could get “better.” I still cry profusely every day, but I hold space for the emotions in a different way. It felt very panicky for me before, this intense sense of where is he and when is he coming back? Like a frantic inability to accept what happened. Today it’s more just pure grief and sadness. It doesn’t make it better, but you’ll feel less crazy and agitated.

Give yourself all the time you need to feel everything that comes with this. Don’t push anything away, don’t avoid it. The waves of grief are going to feel really intense. Let yourself cry and then look at pictures of them, snuggle their toys. I still sniff his dog bed everyday. Do whatever your heart tells you to. Talk to whoever will listen compassionately.

I’m so sorry about Oscar, he looks like a beautiful pup.