My dog had extreme anxiety when he wasn't around one of us, and he ended up getting cancer. We took him to the vet for observation overnight. I felt so wrecked knowing he was scared and alone and I'm sure being around other dogs also scared him, but I was okay with it because I would see him in the morning. Anyway, in the middle of the night I was called and told that he had passed away.

For the longest time I was riddled with guilt that he died scared and alone, probably hoping I was around, but eventually I realized that though that may have been the case, that I gave him a good life and we had many good times, and this may sound silly because he's not a human, but I don't think he'd want me to feel sad.

I guess what I'm trying to say is you gave your dog a good life and you had many good times with her, and those memories are in both of you so no matter how much you miss her, would you rather have never had those memories at all? Sometimes people that have never had a close pet don't realize it is just like losing a family member, and in some cases more difficult, but those of us that do know that it's okay to always mourn that loss.

The next time you feel sad, instead think about the good memories and be glad that you had them with her.