Hard to believe that our darling cat disappeared almsot a year ago. So many tears have been shed. The pain is dulled but the loss is still there. It was months before I stopped crying when I pulled into the driveway and he wasn't there to greet me. I still look for him when I hear cats outside.
This site really helped. So many people think you're nuts to grieve like this for a pet, but loving deeply isn't nuts. Loving a pet is the most human thing I've done in a long time. He came into our lives just 6 months before and it seemed like life was perfect.
After he disappeared, we adopted two kittens and a small dog, all rescue critters, and we love them to bits. But the first pet, I guess like a first child, is filled with magic, amazement and a love that surprises you. I feel like a piece of my heart is missing and Iwon't get it back until I see him again.