My dog left for her new home today. I packed up her travel box and her favourite pillow and her food and things. The new owners came and took her away.
It is going to take a while before I stop looking for her waiting at my bedroom window when I get home; before I stop siddling out the door so she doesn't bolt past me; before I remember to not call out for her to share the crusts off my toast; before I miss her curled up behind my knees when I sleep.
I have got the address and phone number of her new owners and am free to visit her any time but it won't be the same.