I got rid of much of the bigger stuff, crate, beds, bowls, etc. two years after Chelsea died, when I was packing to move to a smaller house. But I've kept her harnesses, sweaters, pjs, coats, bows, brushes (that still have her hair in them) & her fav. squeaky newspaper toy, and they are packed away in the dog carrier purse I used with her. The carrier is in my basement. I don't know that I could ever part with it. But I bawl when I see it while looking for stuff down there, and I always then open it up and look at her things. I can still picture her in the sweaters & bows. I regret not taking many photos of Chelsea to store memories, so I'm really glad I have her things to look at & remember.
It's strange how Chelsea still pops up in life, and she's been gone over 5 years. I took ZoE to the Emergency Vet last night, and they asked me if I'd been there before, I said yes & they asked me my name, then looked me up in the computer and said, "Is this Chelsea?", while I was holding ZoE. I said no, Chelsea passed many years ago, and I don't recall ever bringing her here. They said they used to be located across town and moved to this new location a few years back, but transferred all their old records. So there I stood, tears welling up in my eyes thinking about Chelsea, while checking ZoE in to be examined.
I think it's great that your parents got you Draco right away
I went 3 years without a yorkie after Chelsea died. I didn't think there was any way I could ever love another dog the way I did her. ZoE proved otherwise and I'm so incredibly glad I have her.