They are your first memory, your first friend, and your first love. They are in all of your favorite memories, you get to grow up and mature with them. They stick by you through the hard times, being the one constant you know you can rely on. They know when you are upset, you don’t even have to say one word. Losing them is heartbreaking and possibly one of the hardest deaths you’ll have to deal with, I know mine was. Losing my childhood dog, the first dog I ever owned, was so very difficult. She was the greatest dog anyone could have ever asked for.

I thought it would take years for me to be able to adopt another dog, but I was so lonely without one. It didn’t take years but it did take months for me to be fully ready to care for another animal.

At first, I felt a little guilty, like I was betraying my childhood dog but a wise woman, my sister, once told me that I had this void that could only be filled by caring for an animal. I’m the type of person that receives joy from caring for others, whether it’s a significant other, a friend, or a furry little animal.

I’m happiest when I have someone to care for. So I did it. I adopted another dog, and it was the best decision I have ever made. She brings me pure joy and I’m so grateful that I found her. I will always have 15 years of wonderful memories that can never be replaced with my childhood dog, but now I will have more memories with another amazing dog.

In the end, it may take time but once you are ready, finding a special bond like that again is worth it.