Some years ago my precious 3 year old poodle Candy died while giving birth. I too was so crushed because I felt responsible for mating her. I loved her so much that I wanted more of her. I mourned deeply and cried constantly, so much so that I became physically ill. When I went to my doctor I asked him, “Why am I mourning so deeply for my dog when I didn’t for some people in my family who have passed.”  What he told me has been with me since then. He said I had allowed myself to cry and mourn unabashedly, not worrying or caring that I have to hold myself together for anyone else’s sake.                        

Anna from Florida