My dog that grew up with me when I was a teenager, the hardest days of my life, died some years ago, but I don't think I could say I lost him. He lives within me, he made me who I am and will be part of me for the rest of my days. He taught me so much, he was there giving me unconditional love when my world was only suffering, violence and loneliness. We went through all together, we were happy, and we were sad, and we were neglected, and we found our way, and we were sick, and there were no one for us but each other, and we were messed up, and against all odds we made it.
When he was suddenly found dead, lying peacefully in the grass as if he were just sleeping, I didn't cry, because I was so proud of him. He almost died tragically so many times before, from horrible diseases and terrible accidents, like when the neighbor's rottweiler invaded our courtyard through a hole the beast made on the wall and left him badly hurt in a pool of blood, I would only be able to find him and take him to the vet several hours later after work, because my family is less human than him and thought he was already dead without checking, leaving the body for me to find and dispose of. Yes, I could only feel proud and grateful for him being strong and being there for me through it all, passing away when I was already an adult, mature enough to deal with the death of a huge part of my life.
Anyway Molly, there are tear in my eyes as I remember him but also a smile in my face, because we won! We made it and grew up because we were together, and everything he gave me, his love, his loyalty, everything, I feel as being part of me to this day, and it will be forever.
So enjoy life with your friend and don't think about his death, when that day comes it will only mean he is moving to your heart.
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Edit: I didn't see this thread was from over a year ago... I don't feel like deleting my post though...