It's so quiet... sans paws...

[Mandy & Benny]

It will be six weeks this Sunday that I lost Riley.  He was the first dog I've ever had, and I couldn't imagine ever having one better.  I've cried every single day since he passed, but for whatever reason, yesterday I woke up and smiled at the thought of him instead of reaching for the tissue box in anticipation of the waterworks.  I teared up as I smiled, but I didn't have the usual sob-fest.  Finally- progress!  I'm still plagued by guilt and emptiness, but I guess this is a step forward.  I kind of feel guilty for it though, if that makes sense... kind of like I'm leaving him behind.  I know I have to move forward, I'm just having a hard time doing so without him.  I can't look in the backyard, I can't clean the nose smears off of my front windows where he spent so much time, I can't move his giant bed to the basement where I can't see it.  I still wait to hear the tap-tap-tap down the hallway and the nudge at my feet when he thought I was taking up too much of his space on my bed.  The silent house is really making me nuts.  Clearly I'm not past my loss yet, but do any of you think it would be a good idea to start seriously thinking about another doodle?  In some ways I think I should, based on how difficult it is for me to be alone in my house.  At the same time I get a feeling of being disloyal to Riley, kind of like I'm tossing him aside for someone else.  

A friend of mine who bought a doodle because of her love for Riley told me she is getting another one. There are a few in that litter not yet reserved, they should be ready to go at the beginning of June.  They are going to be red, not light like Riley.  I've been going back and forth with it, thinking that by then perhaps I won't be a mess over the thought anymore.  I hate to use the word 'replace', but I've never had to get a pet to take the place of a previous love.  I'm sure many of you have before- how do you do it and not feel like you are being disloyal to the one you lost?  I appreciate any suggestions from all of you wise doodle lovers...

[Stella]

Sending you hugs.

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Since I was 18 (I'm ancient now) the longest I have ever gone without a dog is nine days. 

You know best if you are ready for a new puppy and I agree with many here who have stated you are not replacing Riley, you are opening your heart to a new and exciting chapter.  Doodle hugs and lots of love. ♥

[Mandy & Benny]

I followed everyone's advice... I just sent a deposit for a new doodle puppy.  It's very bittersweet for me.  I'm happy to be getting a new friend to help me cope with my loss, but I still cry every day over Riley.  I miss him so much.  I've got about 6 weeks to get my emotions in order!  

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm so glad you are getting a pup. Everyone grieves differently for each loss. Be gentle with yourself. Please post lots of photos of your little doodle. I hope the weeks pass quickly and that this new pup will comfort you.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Well, I think your emotions are in order.  You might cry and hug the new little guy (or gal) and they will immediately see that it is their job to make you happy.  I can just see your tears and the new little puppy licking your face.  You will get through it, we all do.  Enjoy!

[BG and Gavin]

Congrats Mandy!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I'm happy for you, at the very least you will fall in love (not replace a love) and be very very busy! Keep us up to date with pictures when you get them, we will be waiting with you.

[Wendy and Myla]

I'm so happy and excited for you Mandy.  Let yourself have every emotion and when you get this puppy, he/she will be the luckiest doodle ever!! and you will fall in love all over again!!!

[Cindy Bowles]

Congratulations Mandy!!!!  Can't wait to see pics and meet your new pup!!!!

[Kristi and Mickey Finn]

Mandy,

So sorry about your sweet Riley. No other dog will replace Riley. We put our 15 year old Maggie (half cocker/half yellow lab) down last year at this time. We went a few months with my husband feeling like he killed his dog (she had kidney disease) I knew he would never get over it until we got another dog so I researched for 6 months and found the Golden Doodle! Then I had to find the right breeder and I did. The adventure began and we now have our 15 week old Mickey Finn. Its been the best thing in the world for us and we love our puppy! He is the perfect dog for our family. I thought he would sleep in the same place as Maggie but no, I thought he would like her toys....no. He is himself and we couldn't be happier. Our photo's of Maggie are still displayed with all our kids and grandkids, she is still in our hearts.

Go for it! You will be amazed. Best of Everything, Kristi

[Adrienne]

I am so happy for you.  I am looking forward to seeing pics of your new puppy.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am very happy for you. Please keep us updated with puppy pics.