Yeah, this can be hard. I remember going out with someone who had a cat, a dog, and two parrots. The dog was a sweetie and a snuggler, but the female parrot (Trixie) used to follow me around, sit on my shoulder, jump up on the chair with me. The male parrot (Omar) was a dick. After we broke up, I saw her walking the dog in a local park, and the dog barked at me. It broke my heart. Of course the woman issued a low-end growl, so maybe it wasn't what I thought. But I never saw Trixie again. Good luck, partner, and get your own dog. Plenty of rescues available today.

I totally understand. When I sent my e packing 9 years ago I also said goodbye to our dog Aussie who I raised as a pup-German Shepherd. It was the only way to end the relationship-I got another German Shepherd-Sassy. Missed her like crazy but got done with unhealthy relationship and got my home back.

I hope we all just get to be ourselves cause not all of us are witty and impressively charming. I'm not, that's for sure. Thanks for talkin' everyday life pain. You can't ever "replace" one dog for another but you can save another dogs life and love that dog tons. I hope you get your own pup!

Do you live in a place where you can have a pet. If so, check out the shelter. Does your schedule for having a 24/7 animal? For me this is the biggest question as I hate seeing an animal crated all day because the owner has a job, or else in a kennel for ling periods of time because the owner travels. Also a lot of places have programs available where you can schedule a time to play with the animals.

Dude, in my opinion you're feeling everything you're supposed to. Our pets, while not human, are part of our families. I would and have gone to extreme lengths for my cats and having to leave them behind is beyond devastating. When you're ready you could go to a shelter and bring back something furry to make your new single life a little fuller. Peace

I have always paid it forward when adog passed. The frustrations of socializing and training and joy of bonding to a new friend were the best way to avoid grieving for me.