It has been so long and it still hurts. Is that normal?
Yes. Research says grief for a pet usually lasts six months to a year, and longer for some. Grief has no set end date.
A real example
In 2026, Maynooth University surveyed 975 UK adults. Of those who lost a pet, 7.5% met the criteria for prolonged grief. For a close friend's death, it was 7.8%.
What others said
「My dog left us in 2013 after 14 years with our family, and I still think of them.」
Shared online (reworded) Asia-Pacific, Oct 2026「I miss my two mini dachshunds who always slept curled up together.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026「I've lost four chihuahuas, and time never makes me used to this pain.」
Shared online (reworded) Taiwan, Oct 2026「While packing for a trip, I remembered how my dog, who died in 2023, was always by my side.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026「I lost an old dog in March and still feel lonely; my 18-year-old dachshund survived summer, and I worry yet treasure each day.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026「My dog died of an illness two years ago, and old photos still make me miss my dog, and smile.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026Show 7 more
「Strangers used to wish my 13-year-old dog good health, and since my dog died, I wish the same to animals I meet.」
Shared online (reworded) Asia-Pacific, Oct 2026「On my day off, I look toward the window and miss my dog, who died at 18.」
Shared online (reworded) Japan, Oct 2026「My golden retriever is gone. Raking leaves alone, I remember how he used to help me.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026「I cried again for my dog buried in the garden. I miss it so much.」
Shared online (reworded) Europe, Oct 2026「My 16-year-old dog was put to sleep in June, and this year has been really hard.」
Shared online (reworded) English-speaking, Oct 2026「After reading a book, I wish my dog, gone almost two years, could be reborn; I still miss my dog and it still hurts.」
Shared online (reworded) Europe, Oct 2026「I will always miss my dog.」
Shared online (reworded) Latin America, Oct 2026What people do in different places
Sources
Updated 25 Oct 2026. This page updates daily from owners’ posts.