Thank You, Old Girl

[Kathy and Sam]

I recently lost my father in November and in December I lost my 15 year old dog, Misty Mae... The two losses entwined themselves in my grief.

The recent decision to bring a doodle pup into my life has perked me up but I am scared. I'm afraid of change. It hurts. It literally hurts. Many thoughts come into my head and heart. Will I groom properly? Do I have the energy? Will we bond?  

My Misty Mae was a shelter dog who required very little maintenance other than vet checks. We hiked a lot. We napped a lot. We sat together outside and meditated a lot. I miss her terribly, but am grateful for the comfort and joy she gave me for 15 years. I know she can never be replaced, and I do not want to replace her.  

I simply have decided to open my heart again to a new pup that will require ME to deal with change and grow!  

You were a great teacher, Misty, and I thank you, Old Girl.

Here is a wonderful link about old dogs that touched my heart today. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://offtheleashdogcartoons.com/scoops/old-dogs-gene-weingarten/

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

What a lovely remembrance. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Beautiful tribute.  I hope you take all those memories and find joy with a new pup who will reveal in being a part of your life. 

[Bonnie and Kona]

That is a lot of loss at once. I am so very sorry. I hope that memories of Misty Mae will be the impetus to manage your pup. Puppies find their way into our hearts even when they are making us crazy. 

[BG and Gavin]

Sorry for your losses. Better days ahead. Be confident moving forward. Misty Mae was a beauty.May the memories of her and your father keep you warm.

[Terri and Harley]

Oh Kathy,  I am right there with you. I lost my Jeter boy (schnoodle mix) in March. After two weeks, I was like I need another dog in this house! I checked out the breed and had the same questions/reservations as you. We've had Harley for just about a month. We're exhausted and still adjusting but I think it was the right decision. Harley doesn't replace Jeter in my heart, he expands it.

And that's exactly how it should be.

We're on this journey together.

:)  Terri

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am truly sorry for your recent losses. Thanks for posting this, Kathy, it is a lovely tribute.  I know you will enjoy your new pup, but I guarantee, you will often say to yourself, "What did I get myself into?"  However this difficult, full-of-too-much-energy part will pass, and you will have a wonderful companion - different from Misty Mae, but wonderful.  Do lots of things with your new little one and it will help you bond and develop new memories. 

[Camilla and Darwin]

I am sorry for your loss, this was a lovely tribute. Congratulations on your new puppy, I can't wait to hear more!

[DJ & Chance]

Wonderful tribute. I know how painful losing both a pet and parent can be, and I am so glad that you are opening your heart again to a new pup who will give you companionship and joy. It will be hard at first but there are lots of us here ready to help.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I very sorry for your loss. I lost my childhood dog I had since I was 7 years old the January before last at 13.5 years. She was always there for me and when she died I was distraught... to put it mildly. I didn't think I would be able to get another dog, love that dog the way I loved her, and go through the grief again when the time comes to say goodbye. After about two weeks, I realized I would have to get another dog to share my life with. I waited a while, like you, and got my Orwell. He is amazing. I couldn't be happier with my decision to bring him home. He's helped me be happy again and has stopped my crying about my Bonny. Don't get me wrong-- her death still makes me extremely sad and if I could have it my way, I'd bring her back and have both her and Orwell with me.

Your new pup will not replace Misty Mae, but you will be able to love that new pup just as much. Each dog is his or her own person. The only thing that is the same about them is the amount in which they love you. Because of this, it is impossible not to love them back.   

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I'm so sorry for the losses of Misty Mae and your father. I had a similar situation, losing my 13 year old dog and 2 months later my mom.  It leaves you empty and reeling. For me, getting Tara was a huge part of my healing and being able to move forward. A puppy doesn't give you much time to think about the past as you're too busy planning and creating your future together. Tara was my first dog that wasn't "easy care" and it is working out just fine as we use grooming time as bonding and training time. Remember you always have us doodle addicts here on DK to help you through any rough times you may encounter-you're not alone! I'm looking forward to meeting your new baby.