I’m so sorry for your loss. Bentley wasn’t just a dog; he was family. After everything you’ve been through, his constant presence must have felt like a comforting anchor, always there, always by your side. Losing him leaves a silence that feels almost too heavy to bear.

Grief like this doesn’t follow a straight path, and it certainly doesn’t come with an expiration date. Right now, everything probably reminds you of him — his favorite spot to rest, the sound of his paws on the floor, the way he was always at your side, offering love without words. It’s okay to feel this deep sadness. It’s a testament to how much he meant to you.

One thing that may help is finding ways to honor Bentley’s memory. Create a small tribute to him — perhaps a framed photo of him in his favorite spot, a memory book filled with stories of his happiest moments, or a candle you light each night as a reminder that his love still surrounds you. When I lose a beloved pet (and I do this for people too), I light a candle next to their photo for 30 days. It allows me time to grieve, but it also gives me a point at which I remind myself to keep moving forward. I still grieve, but the grief starts to shift, making more room for gratitude and love instead of just loss.

Some people find comfort in writing a letter to their pet, expressing the love, gratitude, and heartache that words couldn’t say before. Others find healing in sharing their pet’s story, talking about them, keeping their memory alive in conversations with family and friends. You could also look for local or online pet loss support groups. These groups give you a chance to share Bentley’s story while supporting others in their grief. Another thing that might help is keeping some of Bentley’s routines, like taking walks as if he were still with you.

Above all, be gentle with yourselves. Your love for him doesn’t disappear just because he’s physically gone. This kind of love doesn’t fade, but in time, the pain will soften, making more room for the joyful memories he gave you. Bentley may not be at your side, but he will always be in your heart.