I have just read your story and the way you are feeling is exactly how I feel since Heidi has left me. I had her for fourteen perfect years and the only thing that comforts me is that I held her and told her how much I loved her every single day. Also, I am shy as well, however, whenever I went out, I took her with me and what a difference that made. She was my hero. I was so proud of her and bragged about her to anyone who would listen. My heart goes out to you. I will tell the rest of my story but need to make sure this goes through as I have been having difficulty leaving messages. God Bless You. Joan