The terrible crushing grief will alleviate, but there is a lasting grief that is deep in your heart - it is always there - we learn to live with this grief, as we do with arthritis and such - it is always there but dull, and then it is back. I have lost so many special animals over the years. this year has been SO hard - I lost my Mother in January, Old Man (the cat) on July 30, Pepsi (my Grey) on August 08 and Tigger (the orange cat) on September 18. With each death, the memories of all the others (human and animal) that passed before come rushing to me - so I have a very hard time each time. BUT, it does get better and life goes on - I find that I try to live my life as a tribute to all the wonderful people/animals that loved me and touched my life so deeply.
I offer you my deepest sympathy and know the road you are walking - you are not walking it alone - so many here are making the journey with you!