Hi
I am so sorry about your dog. I hope you find a lot of comfort to get through this!
People just don't know what they are doing when they discourage a faster. That's why fasting is easier at a retreat because you receive mental energy to go through with it instead of nonunderstanding majority of people. Fasting always entails ups and downs. Don't let the down make you quit! You'll be happy with yourself if you keep going. I have often regretted quitting early. It's mostly really the moment and it passes. But there does come a point when stopping is right.Maybe if you are hungry for days and your tongue is clear.
Peace
Lilly