Will the hurt ever go away?

 I've had the fortune of keeping many animals over the years, and sadly that means I have also had to deal with the grief of loosing many animals.  I wouldn't say the grief ever goes away completely, but I usually arrive at a point were the thought of those who have past cause smiles and laughter of fond memories.  This isn't to say I don't still occasionally have days were I need a little cry fest when remembering all my past babies, but it is more tears of joy in having the luck to have known them in the first place, than sorrow at loosing them.

 As far as the grieving process, it can be a slow thing at times and everyone handles it differently.  As long as your not still shutting yourself away or drowning in constant sorrow, I would say just let your grief run its course and not worry about trying to be normal.
 

Dont be embarrassed by your emotional tie to Princess.   When I look at Princess or any other Rottie it reminds me of Bear (at the Bridge in 2003) and our beloved Shadow (at  the Bridge January this year)  I get teary eyed at the sight, thought or any reminder of others that have also lost their fur babies.  We have a precious puppy that we are really enjoying but, we both still miss Shadow terribly.  I have a moment of sadness and loss every day.  Some days are worse than others.  We can now laugh about things Shadow used to do, we will see something that our puppy Rocky does that reminds of Shadow and we laugh about it.   Shadow was for both my hubby and I a very special dog.  I hope I never forget him and how special he was in the years to come   I think having such a close bond to him made us better pet parents.  I like to think that he was here to train us for more special babies in the future.

 Was Princess the first pet you ever lost? That could be why your so sad plus your special bond you had with her. I havent lost a pet yet. I dread the day when it's Cheyanne's time. She is the first dog that I owned.

I'm sorry you are still feeling so sad.  

lemme tell ya... doesnt get any easier when its the second, third or fourth.. losing them always hurts. and it hurts even more when its a puppy or kitten you're trying to save because some other dumb butt thought it was a good idea to bring them into the world but couldnt handle it.

like they say, it takes time to get over it. it wasnt that long ago that you lost her. just remember you still have your other pets. they need you and you need them. 

 I lost a cat it was hard but not as hard as losing Princess, she was my baby I play and give my other dogs affection I was just outside with them playing in the yard which is hard for me because it just reminds me of Princess so much, just embarrassed to be someone place then break out in tears because another dog looks like my Princess :(

It IS normal....and tears don't compromise one's strength.

However you can help yourself by tring to divert your thoughts from sadness to sweet rememberance. Allow the memories of your pups to make you swell up with pride at owning such beauties. Next time you see something that reminds you of them smile at their memory and the fact that you were their whole world.......just like you'd do if they were there with you. Becasue if they were with you they'd pace and fret over your emotion, you'd notice and straighten up for their sake!

Its not easy to loose a pet. Not a day goes by I don't think about Daisy. The what-ifs have subsided though, and Im left with memories. I see a bit of Daisy in  Louie as well. And I know Daisy is with me where-ever I go. (spiritual talk, but that's what I believe). Princess is happy and healthy and playing at the Rainbow bridge and she is waiting patiently for you.

When it rains or snows, or I see a rainbow or a teardrop, or even just a child's laughter, all of the ones we have lost (human and animal) are there.

 Do not stand at my grave and weep BY Mary Elizabeth Frye

To quote "mrv" from a reply after my Sophie passed, "Someone once said wear your tears proudly,,, they are a testiment to the love you shared."

Wear them proudly.