My soul dog passed in March, at only 9 years old. It was too soon, and a very complicated choice to let her go then rather than waiting for “worse”. We have since adopted a kitten so that our solo cat would have more company, and have adopted a dog who is her polar opposite. And that has been difficult for me. It feels like betrayal to her to feel relief at the ways he is easy. And he doesn’t make me feel whole as she did. I adore him, but it just. Isn’t the same.

It's hard when something triggers a memory and then you just feel empty

Yep. It terrifies me.