@blewitt, man, I don't know what to say.

I'm not going to say "I know what it feels like," because while I've lost my share of beloved companion animals over the years, my grief isn't like your grief.

I'm not going to say "Get over it!" because such advice is as useful as telling someone with a broken arm to "heal faster". It's not a state of mind, it's not something you can will into yourself, it's only the passage of time that can, and does, eventually make layers over the pain to blot them out for increasingly longer and longer periods. I still talk to mine, even though they're not here. I still cry over them when I look through a photo album or come across a memory on FB. It's the surest sign imaginable that you're human, to grieve the loss of a love.

I'm not going to make jokes. Though I love our guy banter, and your sense of humor, you don't sing songs to a hurting heart. Keep yourself as healthy as possible. It's totally cool to coast in neutral for a while as you work to find yourself.

I know we live nowhere near one another, but if there's anything I can offer, anything I can do, within my power, just ask.

I got nothing, man. Be true to yourself. Follow your mind, but listen to your heart. Message me if you need to talk. Hug your kids (two- and four-legged).

I wish you peace, recovery, and healing this holiday season.