When You Lose Your Dog, You Lose a Brother: Helping an Ex-Marine Grieve His Massive Loss

"If someone tells you not to grieve because, "it's just a dog", you should slap them across the face." - Michael

💔 Losing a dog is losing a best friend. On this week’s Let’s Get Real - A Interactive Talk Show Made Just For Guys, Michael and Spanish take a call from Daniel, a listener grieving the loss of his beloved black Russian terrier. 

For 10 years, she wasn’t just a pet—she was family, a partner, and a source of comfort through PTSD. Daniel’s pain resonates with so many of us who know that losing a dog is like losing a piece of our heart.

🎙️ Michael shares his own story of loss—both his dog Lilith and his dad—and opens up about the importance of letting yourself feel the grief. Whether you’ve lost a pet, a loved one, or a part of yourself, this episode dives deep into the healing power of memories, the comfort of connection, and how, when the time is right, new love (or a new dog!) can bring joy back into your life.

🌟 Then, Josh calls in to share his journey with PTSD, the incredible bond he had with his boxer, and a heartfelt message for Daniel: “Give yourself credit. You gave your dog a life full of love.” His words are a reminder that in the hardest moments, we’re not alone—and our dogs, like our loved ones, leave an imprint on us forever.

🔗 Drop a comment below, honor your dog, and share your story of dealing with grief.

Guys Helping Guys...what Let's Get Real is all about 👊🏼 Don’t forget to subscribe and join the conversation every Saturday at noon! 🐾

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Key Takeaways:
💔  Grief is universal: Losing a pet can feel as painful as losing a family member, and it’s important to honor those feelings.
❤️‍🩹  Healing takes time: Allow yourself to process grief without rushing or judgment—memories can be a source of comfort.
⚡️ The power of connection: Sharing experiences, like Daniel and Josh did, helps lighten the emotional load.
🐶  A new chapter will come: While no dog can replace another, opening your heart again when the time feels right can bring healing.

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Daniel calls in about the loss of his dog.
01:00 - Michael shares personal stories of loss and grief.
02:20 - Advice for grieving pet loss and honoring the memories.
03:15 - Josh consoles Daniel, sharing his PTSD journey and loss of his boxer.
06:00 - The importance of feeling emotions and giving yourself credit for love given.
07:20 - Open invitation for listeners to call in and share their stories.

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