2 days ago I lost my recovery dog and I don’t want to feel this pain.
I found his at the animal rescue when I was 9 months sober. All I wanted was a dog but due to my drinking/drugging it wasn’t right. I was moving around and was eventually homeless.
When I found him I knew we could rescue each other and we did. He knew all of me. I opened my heart to him, not holding back the incredible love we both had. When he discovered a toy, I discovered I was human.
We would put our recovery coins on his collar and my last one was 3 years. When he came down the hallway to the room where we put him to sleep, I heard the last jingle of his collar. He knew. He kissed my tears before…
He was so special and I hope to see him again. The house has empty spaces, empty routines.
I have never had cravings quite like this. To sleep, anything not to feel this ache in my chest.
Anyway, I know some people feel it’s just a dog but he was my best friend. I miss him.
I think this is a good reason as to why we can not make any other thing, human or pet, the foundation of our sobriety.
I'm sorry, this sucks. Losing pets is always hard. Hang in there, though. Nothing is worth losing sobriety over.
Sorry for your loss 
may God heal your pain one day at a time 
Sorry for your loss. It’s normal to miss him and feel sad. I hope in short time you can begin to move away from the sadness and into gratitude. You were, and still are, so blessed. He walked with you when you needed him. He knew you were strong and ready to carry on. He would want you to let him go and be happy. This chapter of your journey has come to a close. You get to choose how the next chapter goes. Choose wisely ODAAT
Praying for you
Oh Leslie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our animals are our family. So inspired to hear about your beautiful life together and I know he is still with you 
Seems absolutely natural to be in mourning and grieve right now, don't sell yourself short or try to rush through your feelings.
So sorry you lost your friend 🥲
I am heartbroken for you, Leslie.
He ( what was his-your dog’s name, is it ok if I ask )?
He would not want you to drink.
He was not “ just a dog “…a lot of people here will understand.
This grief is raw and real.
I will be sure to check in, check on you.
Please do not drink, Leslie.
The cravings will pass.
You will feel worse if you drink.
It will numb the pain for a super brief time-and then it will all come back ten fold.
You will feel worse and your dog deserves to be honored by you taking care of yourself and
N O T drinking!
He deserves that and you do, too-Leslie!
Many humans never have the chance to be loved and understood so deeply, on this level which you experienced.
Oh gosh.
What a blessing!
I know that it s - c k s and hurts like h-ll…many of us get it and we are here for you, Leslie.
May your sweet companion’s Soul be at peace.
This is a beautiful photo of him.
Such a blessing that the two of you found the other.
Hugs and prayers for your heart’s healing, Leslie.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know the pain of losing a best friend.
I too lost my beloved dog the first year of my recovery. It was a tough period but I stayed focus as I owed it to him and myself to stay sober. It has been 4 years since he past this month and I still feel his presence.
I feel for you Leslie. I lost my best buddy a year ago and there’s an empty place in my heart that wasn’t there before. He taught me all about unconditional love and brought a smile to my face when seemingly nothing else could. No matter how bad my day might have been as soon as I came through that door I was the greatest thing ever. He was my companion through thick and thin. There’s no replacing someone like that. But what I did do was start visiting a few rescues. It took a little time but I finally met the one that makes me smile the way Roscoe once did. It’s not the same though and that’s ok. It’s time for new and different adventures!! I know you can’t replace yours either but maybe keep your eyes open to the possibility of another? My heart hurts for you. Keep your head up. This too shall pass!!!
What a beautiful journey you had with him. And such a beautiful animal. What’s his name ?
I'm so sorry, Leslie. I lost my best friend (Salty) while I was still drinking. Instead of dealing with my pain I tried to numb it by drinking even more. It only lead to a deeper depression and a dark dark place. One year later after putting Salty down my drinking and my life spiraled out of control and I nearly drank myself to death. I finally had to admit l needed help and stopped drinking
Part of recovery is doing service and for me there was no better service than to help shelter dogs. I spent 3 years volunteering at shelter and those dogs helped me more than I helped them. Finally the 3rd year volunteering came in a dog named Nike (renamed him Kush) . I fell in love with him and decided to adopt him. I literally think of Salty every day but those shelter dogs and Kush helped me heal and I love Kush so much for that. I'm typing 9 years sober with a great pit bull companion Kush snoring and cuddling right next to me. Don't drink it will only make it worse.. your pain will pass
Thank you so much for all of you that took time to reach out and help me thru this. You all have compassion and empathy in your hearts and I so much appreciate your words.
I have been hitting a lot of meetings and online, as well. The community of AA and a foundation of spirituality is what is helping. I wound not make it without it. I have to remember some people have lost children to overdoses, husbands, wives, animals. I am so not alone in this heartache. I’m having my moments of I am ok/i am not ok. I’ve never experienced death like this. The empty spaces in the home hurt. I will heal and make it through this because of all of you! Thank you! Thank you, thank you. I love loosid.
So sorry for your loss 
Hugs ...big hugs 🫂 that absolutely sux
I’m so sorry for ur loss 
I lost my precious yorkie tragically in December…she was only 5! 
She was with me thru my darkest days prior to me gng to inpatient 2.5yrs ago…
My family were all terrified I wld certainly relapse from this sudden loss, but I am so grateful I’m able to process my pain while being present …I know she was here for a short period of time, but for an important soul contact between us…and now I truly believe she’s helping another soul on their recovery journey 
Suzanne M. Thank you for saying that! It helps so much. Thank u!
I’m so sorry for your loss Leslie, hang in there, Hugs
I'm so sorry you lost you best your best friend. Alcohol will just make you feel worse though, as I have found out more than too many times. I hope you don't drink and feel better inside and out really soon.