Hi Guapo, I am sorry for your loss. Although I have never had my own companion dog, I have had numerous cats. I felt a special connection with one, which seemed to continue after her death. I have heard many people on this forum talk about their pets, and there are some threads, even recent about it. From what I have gathered, here and elsewhere, your dog is definitely in a better place now, and will be there to greet you later, or even may visit in spirit form, either 'in person' where you might be able to 'feel' the presence of your pet, or in spirit form with a human spirit, during a visit to a 'medium' or possibly in other circumstances. Whether you believe these things are possible is, of course, up to you. From what I have read, 'appearances' are so surprising and feel so real that any doubt seems to be replaced with joy. That was the case for me. Even when I have doubted the existence of an 'afterlife' I could not discount the actual experience I had of feeling her spirit in my arms, weeks after she passed.

Guapo,

Sorry for your loss.  I know how it feels.

I suggest you begin talking to him (or her) and thinking of him.  Bruce would say, "Pretend, if you need to."

I lost my old tomcat, who had been with me for 18-1/2 years, at 6:30 PM on October 24th, 2007.  You know, some cats can be a bit standoffish, but not ol' Tom.  He was more like a dog in the way he would follow me around.  When I worked on the lawnmower, he would lie down and watch me.  When I hauled a wheelbarrow load of wood to the house, he would follow along behind me.  Everytime I would sit down somewhere, he would jump up in my lap and go to sleep.  He could be grouchy at times, but was very affectionate, too. 

About a month after his death, with me still grieving, Tom showed up spiritually in my life.  I think he knew I needed him, as I was pretty depressed.  Besides all the other stressful life changes (that I won't go into here), I was still a bit crippled from recent double-hernia surgery.  Sometimes I do too much when I am working. 

Just all of a sudden one day, I heard his meow in my thoughts, then a slight warmth on my right check and his purring – his voice was unmistakeable.  I had the feeling that he had jumped up onto my right shoulder and was rubbing his head against my cheek.  There are never any words, just meows and purring, like when was alive.  However, as I'm sure you know, I can tell what he means by his tones and inflections.  I know when he's happy, irritated, content, etc.

Since then he comes for a visit fairly often – and always comes when I call him, sometimes after a short delay.   Nothing like this had ever happened in my life before.  He does so many things that are typical of him, yet many are things that would never have occurred to me in advance – so I am pretty convinced it is really him and not my subconscious making this up.  I don't really "see" him, but I "sense" him and his location.  I hear him in my thoughts.

One day, as we were leaving in my truck for a hike (he loves to go hiking with me -- especially in the desert, where there are lots of Jack Rabbits to chase), he got irritated because I had put my pack in “HIS SEAT” on the passenger side – this even though he does not have a physical body.  Guess he just wanted a show of respect.

He got to meowing in my ear so loud (mentally) that I finally figured out what was bothering him and pulled off to the side of the road.  I moved the pack out of the passenger seat and put it in the jump seat behind.

The meowing stopped and purring began.

Tom has been good company for me since then, though he doesn't come around as often as he used to, unless I call him.  Guess he knows I am recovering my balance.  I call him pretty often for hikes and fun stuff.

Take care,
Quaero

P.S.  I posted this poem under Tom's picture -- maybe you would like a copy.  I don't know the author.

[B]I Loved You Best[B]

So this is where we part, My Friend,
and you'll run on, around the bend,
gone from sight, but not from mind,
new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,
life measures quality, not its length.
One long embrace before you leave,
share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,
but they be they, and they aren't you.
And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,
will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,
the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.
And as you journey to your final rest,
take with you this...  I loved you best.

thanks for your love and time