How long does the grieving process take?

[kjc]

It's different for each of us, and much longer for me than I thought it would be. Getting another Yorkie helped immensely. I, personnally, can't compare Yorkies, they are all different, as they should be. Would't the world be a boring place if they were all alike? You just have to see the good differences in your newer dog and build a relationship on that. Not all differences are bad. Find the strengths in the new dog and celebrate and cherish them. They all have something great to offer, we just have to find them and appreciate them.
When I first came to YT, my intention was to compare my Peek a Boo with the other Yorkies. After a few days, I realized everybody has the greatest Yorkie in the world! And, no doubt, they do! I love their dogs as much as I do my own, getting to know them from their postings on different topics. I cherish all the differences I see, and Yorkies are so complex I will be seeing them for a long time to come. Just keep in mind, different doesn't have to mean bad, just not the same!
Your passed Yorkie will always have his very own place in your heart, as will your new Yorkie. And at times, those places may overlap. If not, that's okay too. You don't want to hold the new Yorkie at fault for not being like your old Yorkie, just appreciate him for who he is and what he can become, with your nurturing attention, and love them both, forever!

[Faerie54]

Teddy our little female yorkie, and first "family" dog (late 1980's) was tough and spirited. Nonetheless, she still had the appearance of a delicate lady.
Mr. Darcy is bossy, demanding and "speaks" his mind. He is all boy dog, if that can be said.
Being owned by Mr. Darcy is far different than life with a 60lb. Border and a 40 lb. Aussie. I can honestly say that now, beyond the immediate heart break of losing the boys, Mr. Darcy has been an absolute blessing. His cheerful nature, combined with surprising displays of gentle affection reminds me that like humans, every creature is unique. We ALL deserve to be applauded for our differences.
I suspect we would all agree that Yorkie Talk, for whatever initial reason that brought us here, has been a wondrous blessing as well. From naming to training to comparing eyes and noses, illness, and loss......none of us has to go it alone. Amazing, how many it takes, to raise these little creatures up.

[DogLovingOwner]

I lost Prudence in Nov. 2008 I'm still so sad :'(

[Faerie54]

Originally Posted by DogLovingOwner

I lost Prudence in Nov. 2008 I'm still so sad :'(

I think what saved me was finding people who understood and listened. Dog people of course.....
The few rude; it's just a dog" comments came from folks with sterile, pristine no animals allowed homes. I never connected with how a new car or expensive furniture could fill a lonely heart. Just a dog erases personality, intelligence and the wonderful noisy greeting we expect upon arriving home. How do material things fill that void?
I and a friend who'd lost her dog some years back watched Marley and Me together. We blubbered through the whole movie.
Friend to talk to, share photos and stories with, friends who let you cry......Seek out your dog friends and remember those who care, here on Yorkie Talk.

[Avenging_Angel]

Originally Posted by doglovingowner

i lost prudence in nov. 2008 i'm still so sad :'(

i know you are still sad. I lost my little yorkie a year ago & i still cry sometimes even tho i have a beautiful little rescue yorkie. It takes time.
Never lucky, always blessed.
Wanda
albany, ga.

[Avenging_Angel]

Originally Posted by AbbysMom08

I'm sorry I don't have an answer for you.
I know the pain of losing a furbaby. I lost my precious little Kayla last July and I still have rare moments when I break down and cry. (Like right now).
Whenever I read a post about someone losing their furbaby, I find myself back in July of last year when I lost her. It is still so fresh and vivid in my mind. Like you I had her for almost 14 years. She brought so much joy to my life. She was the light of my life. I don't have children so she was my "child". She was tiny (the runt of the litter) and such a princess.

She lost her sight about 2 years before she died and our bond became even stronger. I still to this day, miss her so very much. I can talk to people about her now without breaking down but like I said I still have my moments.

I'm really sorry, this didn't answer your question, but know that I am right there with you on this.

I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL MY LITTLE ANJALIQUE STARTING LOOSING HER SIGHT WITHIN A YEAR OF BECOMING A DIABETIC. SHE COULD STILL GO ANYWHERE IN THIS HOUSE & MOST ALL THE YARD THAT SHE WANTED TOO. LOST HER JUNE 2008. SHE WAS 2 WEEKS SHY OF BEING 11yrs. OLD. I NOW HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE YORKIE RESCUE.
NEVER LUCKY, ALWAYS BLESSED.
WANDA,
ALBANY, GA

[virginiagirl]

I lost my little yorkie Jag Jan. 19th of this year. Time has helped ease the pain a little bi. There are days that seem harder than others. Sometimes, out of no where, I just feel all the heartbreak rushing back at me i.e when I'm driving on a warm summer day and think of him and how he loved to go for rides or when I'm passing his favorite food or snacks in the store. I guess, the time it takes to ease the pain is different for everyone but I don't think you ever really get over it. I had Jag for almost 10 years and I know what you are going through. You share so much of your life with these little fur babies and when they are gone you feel so empty inside. I'm sorry for your loss.

[manolos mom]

I know how you feel. Soon the hole in your heart will be filled with joy. I promise. It takes time.

[Micah my love]

So sorry for your loss i lost my sweet Abby in feb 09 it has been hard even though i have others they are like children one does not replace the other. i still let the tears flow when i think about her