It's been a week since I had to let you go, and I don't know how to adjust to your absence.

You were so old, and so tired, and your health had been on a steady downward curve... and when that Sunday night rolled around I knew that your time was up. I knew that you needed to go, but that didn't make it hurt any less when I brought you to the vet for one last appointment.

It doesn't make my apartment feel any less empty.

I keep waking up and half-expecting to find you asleep on the couch. I keep going into the kitchen, or getting out of the shower, and half-expecting to find you underfoot. All I want is to be able to scoop you up and hold you again, and that's something that's been taken from me forever.

I burst into tears at the smallest things, like finding one of your whiskers in the laundry or hearing something that sounds like your weird little meows.

And yesterday, I fell asleep on the couch, and dreamed that you came and curled up in my lap the way you used to, all loafed up with your little head nestled in the crook of my elbow. And you felt so warm and heavy and soft and real and I could feel you purring and I cried. I cried so much when I woke up because it felt like losing you all over again.

When does this hurting stop?

I just miss you so much, my sweet baby Bear. I loved you for 19 years, and I could love you for 19 more and it still wouldn't be enough...

First of all, I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a pet is never easy. But an elder pet that you've had for TWO decades is especially tough. I know how you're feeling and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I lost my kitty Felicity when she was 18 years old, in 2014. Almost 8 years ago now.

She had been sick for a while, and we tried so hard. It was coming, and I couldn't stop it. I knew for a week beforehand that my time was running out. And still, it didn't make it easy when the time finally came. I grieved her. I felt like I lost a friend, and I had. Someone who grew with me and went through life right by my side. We slept together every night. When I got my first apartment, she came with me. She was the most affectionate and beautiful cat.

I missed her so terribly for a long time. I got another cat to help fill her void, and it did help some, but I still thought about her often and missed her so much. I still to this day miss her, but the hurt isn't so deep... It's hard at times but now I'm in a position where I usually appreciate the good memories. Missing her will never go away. But with time, it's become easier to accept that she's gone and just be thankful that I had a love like that from a pet.

That's so sad I'm very sorry. losing my pet was also devastating to me.

I'm so sorry to hear about Bear. Letting go of our cats and dogs is so tragic, but maybe you can think about how he is in perfect health now that he's Over the Rainbow Bridge. No more pain for him. For you, the pain is hard, and I'm so sorry you have to endure it. But someday you will think of Bear without crying. It may take a long time, but the pain will lessen some day. I really am sorry for your loss.