One does not understand the true grief of the loss of a pet until they experience it firsthand. My family and friends have lost pets and all I could do was feel compassion, and try to understand their loss.

Well wow, I sure get it now. Grief is a tangible thing, that floods over you like a wave. Especially when you have to put them down. You second guess yourself, did I make the right move, did I do everything I could? Should I have tried to extract a few more moments with her, but at her expense?

It's debilitating and I find myself crying often. Thank God I haven't lost people close to me lately, but the feeling would be the same.

They say time heals all wounds, I suppose. But in honor of Piper, I will not have another pet in my limited lifetime.