https://www.thedodo.com/losin-144797...rally+Magazine
I think that it is just different - not less than nor more than losing a child- But never having lost a child i truly don't know for sure for me. It is so very true that when we own a dog we know in all likelihood we will outlive our dog. But we push that thought away. We know that we will lose this precious dog one day - but the joy and companionship they give us is worth the heart loss cost. It is so very very true that only another true dog lover can come close to understanding our grief at the loss of a pet. We have very few folks to talk about this with. We do not get compassionate leave from work to grieve a loss of our family member - it is not recognized as a legitimate LOSS! Another dog can never replace the dog we lost. Just like another child could never replace the child you lost!
I think that dog lovers and owners have to be some of the bravest folks I know!