I Miss My Little Prince So Much

My husband gave me my little prince, Bruiser, for Mother's Day in 2001. He was only four weeks old when I got him. He meant so much to me because he was not only an awesome little Chihuahua, but because my husband gave him to me.

Bruiser died in my arms last Wednesday morning. He was diagnosed with severe heart disease which resulted in congestive heart failure. I'm so sick and so sad over losing him. I miss him so much. He was my little buddy and we had these goofy things we did routinely. I would hold him and say, "Who's my little prince?" He would put his head down under my chin and snuggle into me. If I was reading a book or working on my laptop, he was either on my lap or under the blanket next to me.

I try not to cry in front of my family because it upsets them to see me upset, but I'm so sad. I feel stupid in saying it, but my heart hurts. I feel such a void. I keep catching myself looking around for Bruiser and he's not there. I can't get over the thought that I'm never going to have him to hold onto or snuggle up to again.

How do people get over this grief? I'm sick to my stomach and I don't want to get out of bed. I know it will get better but, right now, it sucks. And why do people say things like, "It was just a dog. Why are you still upset?" or "He's in a better place. He's not suffering anymore." I want to tell them to shut up. I know they mean well. I do. I just don't want to hear their comments.