Lucy Made Me Smile Today! :o)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Since our sad day on Monday DH and I have been worried about Lucy and how this whole situation would affect her.  Not only just now being the only doodle, but would the fact that they were liter mates make the situation any different for her.  Neither of us has any experience with a situation like this so we just weren't really sure what we should watch for.  Lucy has sort of had to take a back seat in the last few months and so normal for her is just sort of laying around, napping, barking if there is a noise outside or getting really excited if someone stopped by.  This afternoon as she lay on her pillow in the Den while we were both on the computer we got to talking about if we thought she was depressed or if she was just tired (she got a haircut today.  Another thing that had been neglected).  Anyway we have vowed that we are going to get her back on a regular walking schedule and rehab that knee some more and also try and take off a few pounds as well.  (Although after her haircut she didn't look nearly as chunky).  So, I said to her "Do you wanna go for a walk" and she just jumped up and gave me that little head tilt like what are you waiting for.  Mike was going to bundle up and take her.  When they returned I was still on the computer and I heard her little toe nails running across the living room floor.  She came screaming into the Den, full speed, ran up to my chair, threw those big paws up on my shoulders and gave me the biggest Lucy Hug and some sloppy little Lucy kisses.  She was just all excited.  I couldn't help but smile. 

That makes me think that she is doing ok.  If anyone has been through anything similar and has any ideas on what we might watch for that would be great.  We are just pretty clueless on anything that we might need to do to help her.  She is pretty independent.  She never minded my leaving her home alone when Sophie and I did therapy work.    We have kept her night time routine the same by leaving her in their room and she seems fine with it.  She hasn't even whined to wake me in the morning.  Bottom line, I want to do anything that we can to help her through the transition and don't want to do anything that might make it harder.  Any ideas appreciated.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Oh I love this! It sounds like you gave her a smile too!

[DJ & Chance]

Good for Lucy!

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

Lucy you know just the right thing to do to make your mom smile.  Even when one is in the valley it is amazing how our furry friends seem to know what will comfort us.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a sweet girl! I think it will help her to see you as strong and in charge and to keep life as "normal" as possible for her. Dogs like routine and maybe you can create a daily schedule of things to do that she enjoys and can and look forward to.  I think you're on the right track with your plans for daily walks and rehab for her. I'm glad you both had a chance to smile today! :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

It sounds like she is doing just fine so far and will help you with her hugs and kisses.

[Jill, Woody & Maxi]

Im so glad Lucy made you smile with her hugs and kisses...That article is great..very insightful and true...sticking with a routine, and activities that boost Lucy's confidence will be a great help to both you and her..