Pet Loss and Grief

My best advice to you is to think this way: The life he lived was a good one. You loved him, he loved you. He was your pet, no one else's, you took care of him and loved him and because of that, he lived a happy life.

I've lost a lot of pets, but only several hit me hard (mostly because there's only been several I cared for a long time) and what I try to do is remember that because they had a good home with me, they didn't live a life of hardship or suffering in a shelter or on the streets, or in a neglectful home... their lives are short compared to ours, but pets are extremely devoted to their owners and don't die in vain when they know they were loved and cared for.

Life with you was likely all he knew, and that was all he needed. It was enough to keep him happy and feeling welcomed and appreciated. There's no shame in grieving, but don't allow it to hinder your life because your dog's life was lived knowing that you loved him.