Whenever I lose a dog, I’m struck by two things at once: the sharp ache of grief and the quiet waves of absence that follow. The routines, the silent understanding, and the unique personality that filled the house with life are missing now.

Losing a dog, a cat, or any beloved pet can turn your world upside down. Pets are often our most steady and uncomplicated source of love. If you’ve recently lost a pet, the intensity of your emotions might surprise you. It doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means your love ran deep.