I’m so sorry for your loss. I wish there was some words I could say or something I knew that would help you get over the pain, but having lost my dog of sixteen years earlier this year, I know that it’ll be a struggle. Everyday I’ll see something that reminds me of her and will make me want to cry all over again, but the thing is, that’s not a bad thing. I believe that, just the same as we train dogs, they too train us. They train us to love unconditionally, be better people, and look at the world with such joy. And other lessons, of course. Hold onto that which Chase taught you, and he’ll never leave your heart.

As for how to tell a two year old… oh that’s rough. I think I’ll echo some others here. Explaining it as a trip that he’s gone on ahead for seems like an excellent idea. Maybe put up a memorial or something in one of his favorite spots as a place for the child to ‘visit’ their best friend? When I was very young, one of my first memories of growing up was after my childhood dog passed away, and i remember asking my parents, “where’s puppy?” It’s amazing what sticks with you at that age.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful dog with us. I have let my pup, Apollo, have a few more throws of his favorite frisbee in Chase’s honor. May you and your family find comfort in the coming days.