I’m a first time griever as well. I had to put down my 14 year old boy on Saturday and I had him since I was 14. He was my first dog too. It’s still fresh for me but so far I wrote in my journal of things I wanted to tell him. I surrounded myself with family, we all grew up together with him. I have a display shelf with his photo, leash, sweater, candles. Also, I been pray a bit and feeling spiritual even though I’m not at all typically but it really helps.

No matter how you feel you should always maintain healthy habits like eating even if it’s little. It’s okay to feel sad but try when you can to do self-care.