After the body is taken care of, you’ll likely crash. And that’s okay. Grief is a weird, wobbly thing that comes in waves. You might feel fine one minute and sob into a bag of chips the next. That’s the dog-shaped hole in your soul.
Don’t throw away their bed or toys right away. You might want to sniff their collar one last time (and yes, that’s weird, but everyone does it). Wait a few weeks before decluttering.
Consider lighting a candle, planting a tree, or making a photo album. Some people even commission a painting of their dog wearing a tiny tuxedo. Do whatever brings you a shred of comfort, even if it’s silly.
