They Just Don't Understand!

My baby, Charlie, died two weeks ago. I am heartbroken, and don't know what to do. Charlie lived with me for thirteen years, so I guess he died of old age. He was the bright spot in my life and my best friend in the whole world.  Charlie was a Springer Spaniel who I adopted from the animal shelter.

I can't eat, I can't sleep, and I cry all the time. I have had to work these last two weeks, even though I am devastated (there is no such thing as pet bereavement leave). I am a nurse's aid at the hospital, and I think they are all talking about me, about how I am so torn up over just a DOG.

I am a divorced Mom, but my two kids are finally out on their own, so I live alone. Except for Charlie, that is. He adored me. When I came home at night, he would run around until he found something to pick up in his mouth, his "gift" for me, then he would run around in circles with his butt wagging. So excited to see me. Then I would reach down and stroke his silky ears, and ask my little man how his day went.

Honestly, I didn't think I would take Charlie's death this hard, I wasn't this sad when my Aunt Katherine died last year. Is there something wrong with me?

I feel totally alone in my grief, as I am embarrassed to admit all this to anyone. It doesn't matter anyway, because they just don't understand!

                           ~Sandi Morgan, Philadelphia, PA