What does it mean when you dream that you can't fine your living dog when missing?

To me, it would mean that you subconsciously feel possibly guilty or bad about something that happened (whether between you and your dog at some point before he/ she died or something/ someone else you possibly cared for).

Kind of like your guilt (that you may surpress/ ignore while awake), deep down is really bothering you & it is not until that consciousness can surface while sleeping, that it is literally "staring at you right in the face" to be recognized.