Hi Amy, 

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds courageous for insisting that you have your engagement party in that week. I'm sure he passed away peacefully with the knowledge that his daughter is getting married and in a happy place! (Congratulations!) Losing someone so close to you at a time when so much is going on and your life is moving quickly is very difficult. I wouldn't worry too much about discussing it with your fiance. It's totally understandable that you feel this way and I'm sure he understands as well. All I would say is that although you can feel the pain and at the moment it resembles something of an open wound - your dad wouldn't want this to impact you and your happiness with your fiance directly after your engagement party.

There is no easy answer but I wouldn't try to hide your emotions. Your right - this is your loss and you have every right to feel the way you do. It will take time but I can promise you that things will get better in the future. It's difficult but your mum is probably in a similar place as you. Try to be there for her as much as you can. You might not be able to visit your dad's dog but it doesn't mean it's gone or you have given away the last bit of your dad. You can always visit and you can feel assured that it's now being happily looked after by your friend. When you see the dog you can remember all the good times you had with your Dad.

Stay strong! Claire X