Hi Ruth: 

As an animal lover, I wanted to reply to your post about losing your Golden Retriever almost a year after your mom during the holiday season.  I miss my mom almost every day, despite her being gone now for 3.5 years, just a few weeks after one of my closest friends passed away unexpectedly.   Two big holes in the fabric of my life.   In September 2013, 15 months ago I sent my 15 year old Border Collie to the Bridge.  This loss seems larger as my furkids (still have 3 cats) are the children I never had.  Yet I have had a hard time in adopting another dog.   

I accept that all these lovely ladies I've lost no longer had any quality of life.  And I would not want them to struggle and suffer to be just barely alive.   I know I will see them all again.  Still it is difficult at times. 

I'm a little older than you at 59 and find myself dealing with my own mortality. 

I hope you find comfort in your memories and believe that you will find that peace.  

Warmly,

Kris