It took a little while, after the dogs' ashes came home, but both my husband I came to take comfort in having them still with us. We lived in Kansas at the time and did not enjoy being there. We knew that we would never leave our babies there, so we chose cremation. We had the intention of spreading their ashes in Newfoundland, where both my husband I will be put to rest when our time comes, but we both find so much comfort in having them in our bedroom, that they will stay with us always.
I hope that you will soon find the peace that I feel when I glance upon my dresser and know they are there. The emptiness never goes away, even after bringing two puppies into the family, but I find I think about the pain of them leaving less, and when I think of them, it is to remember something nice, or funny.
May Peace be with you,
Rose in Alberta