There is no “should.” But here’s what we know: • Acute grief often lasts weeks to months, and it can come in waves sudden cries, numbness, guilt, memories, long pauses of staring into space. • Integrative grief (where memories feel less raw and more tender) can take 6 months to a year or more, depending on the depth of the bond, unresolved emotions, and your overall emotional capacity. • For many, grief never fully “ends.” It just changes shape. #doggrief