(((Splunge)))
There is something inexplicably special about our bonds with certain pets.

((((((Splunge))))))

I feel for you so much right now. I don't know if this helps, but your description is how I react to any big loss in my life, pet or person, death or just gone from my life. I actually have a wonderful therapist, and she always assures me that this is OK!!!! Mourning is a messed up time, and no one else can tell you how long it should last or how to react. The big thing is not to let any of the self destructive parts go on too long.

One of the best things I recently figured out is that since eating when I'm emotional is super hard for me, to pick a comfort food from childhood. For me, weirdly, it has been the white bread, bologna, and mustard sandwiches I used to sneak at my friends' houses since I grew up vegetarian. Really, any food you can get into you right now will help so much, even if it's just one thing three meals a day for a while.

The other thing, and this is not so easy, or it wasn't for me, is to try to get a handle on the drinking too much sooner than later. I totally get it, it helps dull the pain in the moment, and I've definitely done that, so not judging, but I found that at least moderating it or even stopping all together for a bit actually helped me function better emotionally in the medium to long term.

Also, my beloved cat Hunter passed away well over a decade ago, and I only just took down his picture (after many moves) this year. I'm sorry that people seem to press for the "getting over" part of grief when it's a pet. I hope you feel free and supported to go through the grieving process as it feels right for you, without feeling like you have to "move on" at some set pace.

The last thing is that if you are just really struggling for a longer time or with more sadness than you can handle, maybe just a gentle suggestion to visit your doc. It's not really that uncommon to get a little medical help, either a short term prescription, or a therapy referral, or a support group suggestion, for people struggling hard with their grief. Please don't feel like that's not ok if you need it because it's your sweet Scooby gone and not a human person.

Whuffles and hugs and warm thoughts going your way.

*whuffles*

Awww, splunge. *hugs* Be good to yourself and don't feel bad about taking the time you need to grieve your beloved Scooby.

*hugs* Losing a pet is really, really hard. Please take care of yourself.

We love you, Splunge!

So sorry, Splunge. Take good care of yourself.

Feel better soon :(

It does eventually turn into a fondness for the relationship you shared.
Phil was the love of my life, in all seriousness. No one or thing will ever replace him or what we had. We had the most of 12 whole years together and I fell in love with him all over again every time I really looked at him.
I'm extremely tired so I'm getting a bit choked up at the thought, but I'm so glad I had that. The only part that truly bothers me is the end, because it was completely taken out of my hands and I knew nothing and could do nothing but say goodbye--
--great, now I have to get the door while teary.

So sorry, Splunge. Our pets leave their mark on our souls forever. I hope your pain soon passes and that they're replaced with only happy memories of Scooby.

Me too, Splunge. I am still grieving my cat Alvin, who passed on about a year ago, but the sadness has mellowed with time. I understand about the pure sadness of losses like this and think that you should give yourself time and honor your feelings. This is a good place to talk with people who totally get it.