Lost my retired working line GSD and struggling with the grief
I lost my German Shepherd, Calypso, a few days ago and honestly I feel broken. She was a retired Patrol Explosive Detection Dog that served overseas in Afghanistan before I adopted her through a retirement program after her handlers couldn’t keep her. She went from that life to becoming my best friend and shadow every single day. We trained together constantly, did scent work almost daily, and she absolutely loved having a job.
She suddenly became very sick from internal bleeding caused by what the vets believed was an aggressive cancer, and I had to make the decision to let her go peacefully. I know it was the right thing to do, but the house feels empty without her and I genuinely feel like I lost family.
For those who have lost a GSD or working dog you were deeply bonded with, how did you get through the grief? And how long did you wait before getting another shepherd? Part of me feels guilty even thinking about another dog, but I miss that bond and lifestyle so much already.