Hello Again!

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Hi all - I've been MIA for the last few months. Everyone has tragedy in their lives and must make adjustments. In September, my mom died after a traumatic fall. It was unexpected. After her death, my husband and I decided to move to the Las Vegas area to be close to our daughter. In February, we signed a contract to have a new home built in Henderson. We were so excited, picking out everything for our new home. They started construction around the 10th of April. Then tragedy struck again. My husband had a massive stroke the day before Easter

and passed away a week later. I considered trying to get out of the contract, but since they had already started construction, it was going to cost HUGE amount to withdraw from the contract. SO - in July, we (doodle, dachshunds, Shih tzu) and I moved from central Mississippi to Henderson, NV.  

I had to really laugh. When we got here the humidity was about 35% and everyone was grumbling about how humid it was. I just came from central Mississippi where the typical humidity is in the 80's or even 90's.  But yes, it was HOT.

The critters and I are beginning to settle into our new home and adjust to life without John. We all still miss him terribly, but also realize that had he lived, he would have never been the same, and he wouldn't have wanted to live in a debilitated state. I am grateful for the 45 wonderful years that we had together, for our children, and for the fact that we had time to say good-bye, but he didn't have a long, lingering illness.  I'm not looking for sympathy - just wanted to catch everyone up on why Cody and Casey and I haven't been around lately.

At some point, I would love to get together with other doodles here in the Henderson/Las Vegas area. We have a dog park only about 2 blocks from our house, but I've heard that it may not be a good place to go as there have been some aggressive dogs brought there, so for now, we will stay away.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

What heart-breaking events you've had to endure. So sorry for your losses. Hopefully you'll find some nearby doodles. Watching some goofy doodle antics can sure brighten one's mood.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thank you.  Yes, the doodles all always doing something silly and keep me smiling.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am very sorry to hear about your losses. I wish you all good things in your new beginnings in Nevada.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thank you. We are looking forward to new things.

[Joani, Skadi & Elli]

Wow!  What a whirlwind your life has been.  We live here in "cold" country, Michigan LOL.  Glad you are recovering...takes so long to realize our loved ones are really gone.  Hope you are enjoying Las Vegas...I've only been out there twice when my husband has dental classes and of course I tag along!  Your furbabies are adorable.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Aww - Thank you - I think they are adorable, too. They (all of my critters) are the very thing that has helped me cope with the losses and the changes in my life. They demand that they be fed, watered, and most of all - loved and cuddled on a very regular basis. Without them, I would have just curled up in a ball.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry for you loss, Joyce. I hope your new life in NV brings you much happiness and many blessings.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thank you Karen. I've missed your tales with Jack.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Hi Joyce, Welcome back! I am so sorry about your mom and husband. I lost my mom in January, 2017. She had a very bad stroke two years earlier and the last two years of her life were miserable for her, so I totally understand what you are saying about your husband. So glad you are getting settled into your new home and the dogs are all doing great. 

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

Thanks Laurie. I'm sorry about the loss of your mom. John was a very active man and the very thought of him having to live the life of an invalid is much worse than loosing him completely. For my sake, I would like to still have him here - but for his sake, I'm thankful that he didn't have to live like that. 

It took Cody a while to get over loosing John. He wouldn't eat, wouldn't mind me - - just laid by the back door waiting for John to come home. It was SOOOO sad. Finally, after a couple of weeks, he slowly started acting like himself. But even now - any time a man comes in, he is super excited - until he really gets a good smell and realizes it isn't John. But at least he is eating well and playing again.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Oh Joyce, Makes my heart sad for your Cody. I always worry so much about the dogs left behind. Dogs grieve just like we do and I am glad you have each other for comfort. 

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

I'm so sorry, Joyce.  My husband died of the very same thing 3 years ago and I still can't talk about it without tears.  You are very brave to share your story.  Like your John, David would have hated to be like that.  He wouldn't have been able to play his beloved golf.  That's a deal breaker!!  My little dog Lucky saved me also from staying in a depressed state.  He got me out of the house on those twice daily walks.  I wish you only the best.