When I was a teenager (several years ago) I lost a pet tragically. I cried almost hysterically for two straight weeks. Gradually I cried less but the sadness was still there for months. I have never dealt well with death, human or animals.
Maybe you should take down her crate if only for the sake of your other dogs. They may be confused now thinking she may come back. It might make it easier for them to realize she is not. Dogs live in the now and will be OK with it once they know. Right now that have that reminder and a family that is in mourning. Help them to move on.
You will move forward. It has only been a week. It takes time for our hearts and souls to recover from a loss like that, but you will. Of course you will always have a twinge in the heart but someday you will be able to remember the good and fun things about Dottie without so much pain. She brought you a lot of joy over the years and I'm sure she does not now want you to be in pain because of her now. |