We brought home a new puppy; an eight week old Rat Terrier. This wasn't a spur of the moment thing, I've been looking into this for a couple of years and just never made the move. I did a lot of research on which breed would be good for our family and a local breeder had pups available so I decided it was time. When I saw them I immediately fell in love. A big reason I didn't do this sooner was because of Nikita, I knew she would not like a puppy in her house and when she got sick this spring I put it off again. He is a great little guy, we named him Tucker. But now I know what My heart Cooper means by conflicting emotions because while I already love the little pup bringing a new pet in has triggered sad feelings for Nik. It's been several years since I've had a dog and I am excited and looking forward to taking him for walks, playing and just having a dog again. It's five weeks today since I lost Nikita. It's been a sad summer. And now a new chapter; a new puppy but it is bittersweet. I hope I didn't do this too soon.

John, congratulations on your decision! Try not to let your mind wander into whether it's too soon. Just enjoy puppyhood! I understand your conflicting emotions as I've had them myself with adopting 2 new cats. It's not easy but it does help to have something to take care of. It fills that void although it never fills the void our babies left.
I wish you all the best with your new baby. I think you did the right thing, for what it's worth. Hello Tucker! You've got a great daddy!!!!
-Donna

John, Congrats on your new puppy. We've had Dori for about a week and a half now. The first few days were so strange. But I feel like I've really bonded with her this past weekend. I'm so excited to come home again because she is there and I see her sweet little face. I still miss my boy more than anything but we have joy in our lives again. Enjoy Tucker. He's lucky to have found such a wonderful home with so much love. And we are so lucky to have them too.

Oh, John, that's wonderful news! And I LOVE the name Tucker too!

As another one of us who has had her life turned upside down by the addition of a new animal, I'm here to testify that it takes awhile to get used to the idea and know that you've done the "right" thing. Puppies, like my rocket-powered Leopold kitty, can be truly infuriating, at the same time that we love them to pieces. I wouldn't worry about it being too soon--it would feel strange whenever you made this decision. Six months from now wouldn't be much different.

I'm so excited for you. Can you post some pictures of Tucker? We'd love to see them!

Big hugs--Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Holy Terror

Hi John
I'm happy to hear that you got a new puppy --Tucker is a great name. I know what you mean about conflicting emotions -- we're going to get our new Westie puppy in about 6 weeks. I'm excited to bring Bailey home - but it's triggered alot of sadness at losing Sammy. After she died, I put her urn in her toybox -- it sits in our living room --and I closed the lid. A couple of days ago, I brought the urn up to our bedroom and filled the toybox with the new toys we bought for Bailey (we gave absolutely everything of Sammy's away about 2 weeks after she was gone -- I swore I would never get another pet again -- it hurt so much). I had a hard time moving that urn -- I'll always miss Sam -- just like you'll always miss your Nik -- but I know that they wouldn't want us to be sad -- they're probably up at Rainbow bridge cheering us on with our new pets - maybe wondering what took us so long?
Have a great evening
Sharon

John, I'm so glad you are still willing to give your heart after losing Nik...you read my heart coopers thread about conflicting emotions so I'm sure you saw my response...here is Tanga that I talked about in that thread (rat terrier):



I'd love to see pics of Tucker when you are up to it...

...I do understand about conflicting emotions...Tanga has brought so much joy to our lives, and yes, it's bittersweet. I know.

Sending good thoughts for special bonding between you and Tucker...not a replacement, but an addition.

Hugs,
Brutus' Mom

Congrats on your new addition. I'm impressed by your fortitude and willingness to move ahead in life, take a chance to love again and find some more happiness amidst all the loss and pain. I guess the same goes for all of you out there whom have moved forward and begun to love another again. Tomorrow, July 14, will have been 16 years ago to the date that I got Kota, after having waited a year after my other dog passed. I know I can't go back in time but I already am having the sadness of getting thru this anniversary date. I wish you and your new loved one years of health and happiness, which won't at all diminish your love for Nikita.

Dennis

Here's some pictures of Tucker. It's hard to get them because he doesn't stand still for long.

Click to view attachment Click to view attachment

Click to view attachment Click to view attachment

Dear John S

Congratulations on your new addition. Big hugs to Tucker. He is so cute, bless him. I also know of the conflicting emotions that you have described having rescued Pixie 6 months after losing my beloved Noushka. I can truly say that she has been our saviour, along with all the great people on this forum. She has proved that we can love again and that wanting to try and love again is the greatest tribute we can give to our darling Angel fur babies. Nikita will be smiling and watching over you all, she'll be happy that her dad's opened his heart again, I'm sure of that.
I wish you much joy and many happy times ahead with your darling Tucker. Please keep posting.

Love and hugs
Jan and my Angels and Pixie xx

John, just by looking at the pictures of Tucker, one can't help but realize how you could fall in love with him...a love which is a continuation of the love you carried/still carry for Nikita, a love that is still burning in your heart, and a love which will now give this little puppy a lifetime of devotion, caring and affection, without at all diminishing all you felt and did with Nikita. Congrats on making the plunge.

Dennis

Oh, John, Tucker is sooooo cute. I love the one of him on the sofa. Adorable.

Congratulations and best wishes,

Cheryl x

Hi, John, just adding my congratulations to your new fur child, Tucker. What a wonderful name!!! Margi is right about bringing home a new fur love - - it's going to feel "strange" at first. Thank you so much for sharing pictures with us, too.

John, rest assured you will NEVER forget your precious Nikita. Each of our beloved companions have their own special place in our hearts and memories. Each new companion earns their own special place in our hearts and memories, and our hearts just expand to make the extra room available.

It took an act of kindness from a little "Who" to enlarge the heart of the Grinch so that he could finally experience the true meaning of love. There are no Grinches here!!! Each of us here knows the true meaning of love through our furkids, and through others who genuinely share our hearts and lives. Because of this, we know that love is always best when it is deeply shared, as it can only be deeply shared with a beloved companion.

John, congratulations again on your new baby, Tucker. May you both have a long, healthy, and happy life. We will be so o o honored to share it with you, as you wish to share your life with Tucker with us.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Awww, Jon, Tucker is so cute! What a love of a puppy! How could you NOT fall in love with such a being as he? (I write this with the world's most hyper-kinetic, maniacal kitten resting in my lap--whoops, no, now we're off to knock over my purse again...there goes a lamp...sigh...)

It is a tribute to Nakita and the love that you felt that you have been moved to bring another little critter into your lives. And what a critter! I really applaud you for taking this step. Love is love, and there are tons of animals out there who deserve every bit of it that we can give and receive.

You go, guy!

Hugs from Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Holy Terror

Tucker is so cute! Congrats.

John,

Tucker is so cute! I just want to hug him and give him a big kiss.

I bet Nikita is watching you with Tucker and is so happy you opened your heart again.

I'd love to hear some happy puppy stories. ))

Jon I am so happy for you. It's great that you have opened your heart and home to this beautiful little puppy. Tucker is gorgeous! I just know that he will help heal your heart and bring you so much joy. I don't think there is any time too soon as long as you are happy and healing.