I know what you have gone through. I’ve had dogs and cats all my life and it hurts when they pass away.

When I recently lost my border collie mix, Dolly, a friend of mine said he was kind of sorry for rescuing a newfoundland mix because it hurts to see them grow old and die.

My reply was that I felt the same way when Dolly had to be put to sleep. Yet six months later, I adopted a little Pug Mix. No dog will “replace” another dog, but I would have denied myself the joy of another friend and companion.

My friend then adopted a second dog, an abused lhasa apso. I went on to adopt a shih tzu to be a little buddy for my pug mix.

I know I’m rambling, but my point is that the emptiness felt in your heart can only be filled with love.

And so many dogs and cats need our love.

My Fred (pug mix) and Augie (shih tzu) are not especially intelligent, not particularly obedient and can get a little rambunctious, but they are sweet and gentle souls who are darn glad to see us when we come home at night. They are our beloved companions and friends.

God Bless you and your family Mark.

Ron from Texas