So true, you are NOT alone. My precious Cleo has been gone since '01, and I am still very sad. Rudy passed only since May, and I am still weepy-eyed occasionally. I have a VERY strong bond with animals and no matter when or how or whatever reason, once they go, I am sad for LIFE. In my own therapy, I find that my healing process works mainly when adopting a new furry companion, as well as seeking comfort in my fellow surviving furry companions. Rudy had been the best therapy when I adopted him a month after Cleo passed and when Rudy eventually passed also, I also adopted Brandy a month later. I found that the reason I was able to grieve and move on at the same time is simply by adopting new furry companions. However, of course, this method that worked for me may not work for others. Some people adopt a new wee one and have trouble loving or caring for the wee one while grieving. I imagine you posted because of lack of support in your surroundings, or did somebody say something to you that upset you? I make sure to surround myself with those who cared about me- not that they necessarily have to understand pet loss, but just that I was just being sad about something (i.e. could be over a loss of boyfriend or even over a damaged book that's special to me, so forth), without trivializing me. I noticed other people who eventually feel better after a loss is usually because of adopting a new furry companion, and that those who didn't adopt yet are still very upset in their grief and have trouble moving on. They also are not taking care of themselves such as not showering, not doing their dishes, or not showing up for class or work. In my theory, if a person is grieving hard YET are still able to care of themselves, then I'd think they're in a safe position that they won't hurt themselves or make themselves sickly, but if they're not caring for themselves and getting in various trouble, then I'd think they may need professional help. No matter what, grief is grief, and it's very very normal. It's even normal not to be able to shower for just only a day or two or even oversleep a little bit. It's all about normal sadness. You are sad. He is sad. She is sad. They are sad. Like I said, I bond with animals very strongly, so I am sad for life once they go. We adopt animals to love on and for to love us back, so it's very vulnerable and expected of us once we become an emotional wreck when they go permanently. I don't let anyone misdirect me otherwise. I also seek therapy by just staying home away from people and reading a book or watching a cute Xmas movie. That also helps me alot. I remind myself that once I adopt animals, that they don't live very long, and that it will sear my heart once they go. My close relationship with God reassures me that my animals are safe with Him, and that my duty is to continually open my heart to adopt more innocent souls after each passing to provide a nice safe haven for them, as well as to keep me healthy over the years. As they say- love hurts, but love heals as well. You NOT alone... Best, Karen http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/shihtzuforu...eomemoriam.html "Cleo Memoriam Page" ~~~ http://www.angelfire.com/zine2/shihtzuforu...dymemoriam.html "Rudy Memoriam Page"