My 13 year old beloved dog passed away from cancer after we’d been together since her puppy days. Over the years whenever I go through an extremely stressful time (my dad’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, leaving a difficult job, the ending of a serious romantic relationship, etc) she’ll appear in my dreams. Sometimes the dream is traumatic where I’ll find her still living but old and soon to pass away or where I’ll find her but then lose her again. Less often it’s a dream we’re together on a walk and I’m feeling happy and secure with her. I’m not sure if my brain brings her into my dreams as a way to comfort me or if, more spirituality, she appears in my dreams to comfort me during these difficult periods. When I wake up I feel the sad feelings of reality combined with a happiness to have seemingly really seen her again for a short time.