It hurts so bad, but I'm so grateful

This is Edith. I am a PTSD vet, that several years ago was going thru "the shit" trying to reintegrate to civilian life. I discussed with my wife the idea of working with dogs as a way of helping myself. We joined a charity group that rehabs dogs to find their forever home. Edith was found near starved trying to claw a roadkill frog out of the asphalt. The leader of the group thought she'd make a great dog for someone but she had to learn to dog again. For two weeks she hid in her crate. While my family ate dinners at the table, I ate next to her on the floor. But once she came out, she barely left my side, and we adopted her. After 8 wonderful years, she passed this morning and there is a massive hole in our lives that I don't know how I will fill. If you have pets, hug them extra tight. Maybe give them some snacks, or a car ride - that was her favorite thing in the world. Dogs and the love they share is the best of us. Edith, I love you. You got me thru some of the darkest moments i could imagine. I will see you again on the other side of the rainbow bridge some day.