After losing my beloved black lab, Kaia, I didn't know how I was going to deal with it. It will be 7 weeks on Wednesday. I have been going back and forth about whether to add a new puppy, if Kona would be accepting, if I was ready.

I realized I would never know unless I tried, so yesterday I took Kona and my mom to meet 3 female yellow lab puppies. I went with no expectations, I just wanted to gauge my own reaction and also see how Kona would do. The three girls were very cute if course but very different personalities. One was bigger and seemed to be the alpha, one was very curious and active, and the last was more reserved and quiet. At first we liked the bigger but decided an alpha might rub Kona the wrong way later. Kona is not super active so we thought that puppy might bother Kona too much and she'd get aggressive. The calmer one was very sweet and tried to play with Kona but was respectful and my mom really liked her fur, so after almost 2 hours with all of them, we decided on her.

Kona was pretty indifferent to them, we were in a new neighborhood so she was more focused on the sights and sounds of that and not the puppies for most of it. When they did come up to her she was nice and never growled, barked or tried to nip them.

It's only been one night but Kona seems to be ok. My cats on the other hand are not taking it so well. They are curious but are keeping their distance. I know it will be a lot of work, but I'm up to the challenge and the distraction.

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Hello Little Lexi,

You are the sweetest and cuddliest little puppy. You are beautiful. I bet your siblings will accept you in no time.

Kaiasmom, Congratulations on finding a new puppy! I think she is just perfect. Yes, puppies are a lot of work but they are worth it......God Bless you and your household of sweet furbabies.

LoveMyMickey

Thanks LoveMyMickey. It's going to be quite different in my house for awhile. But she really is a sweet puppy.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Kona are doing. And may I add my sincerest CONGRATULATIONS on your new family member, Lexi. What a sweet little girl she is, and I can see in her eyes why your heart is drawn to her. I know this has been a challenging decision for you, but it is one that YOU made and I know you and your precious Kona will be just fine, along with your feline companions. May you, your precious Kona, and your new baby girl Lexi, and all of your companions, have a long, healthy, and happy earthly journey together.

Thank you so much for sharing your new family member with us, Stacy. I hope this finds you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, your feline companions, and all of your family doing well and in good spirits. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to knowing how each of you are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you Moonbeam. You more than anyone know of the struggle I was having. I honestly didn't expect to get a puppy yesterday, I had even told the woman that I wanted to think about it and call her today, knowing I wasn't sure if it would be a good idea. Especially after watching Kona want nothing to do with them. But my mom thought for sure I would really want one later and kick myself for not just taking one home then, so we decided to just do it.

Now that I have her home with us, it's been hard. It's only been a day, but my cats don't want to come out of my room. The girl has been curious but won't come more than a foot away. The boy has been hiding under my bed, he will come out to the sound of my voice but won't come into the main room where the puppy is. I don't really count my mom's cat as she doesn't like anyone.

I'm most concerned about Kona's reaction, at the puppy's house and now here. She is not mean at all to Lexi, but she also doesn't want anything to do with her. Lexi has been missing her siblings, whimpering and even tried curling up with Kona a few times but within seconds, Kona got up and moved. And when the puppy comes to sniff her face or paws, Kona moves away. When Kona comes near Lexi, Lexi wags her tail but not the other way around.

I hate to say it but I wish I'd listened to you more about making sure it was right. Was Kona's reaction when meeting the puppies my sign that she didn't need anyone else? She seems to be acting exactly the way she was before the puppy came. That what I thought was such a good idea is now the worst idea. I worry that me even thinking about all the things that are going wrong are making things worse. My mom says we just need to give it time, but what if it doesn't change.

It's not Lexi's fault, she is such a sweet puppy, wants attention, and all the things I know I wanted, but at what price to the rest of my fur kids. I'm probably making too much out of it and just need to relax. But I worry that I made the wrong decision.

Hi Stacy, your little Lexi is so cute! I like her gentle eyes. Introducing a new fur kid into the household can be upsetting to the other fur kids. It's a change, and it takes time for your cats and Kona to get used to Lexi. I think their reactions are quite normal. The cats will get used to the new family member in time. Give them about a week or two. Kona is probably still grieving over Kaia, so give her some time as well. Maybe give Lexi a separate area to sleep an play in for a while. I think your Mom is right. Please don't give up too soon. Your Lexi looks like a "keeper" to me!

Lexi went for her first vet visit tonight. Everything went great and the vet thinks she's healthy, cute and will be a nice size lab. We talked about my concerns and she agreed with everyone that it will take time and that I should not feel so frustrated.

Thank you all for your helpful and comforting words, they mean a lot.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I hope this finds you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and all your precious furkids doing well and in reasonably good spirits.

Please let me add my words of support and encouragement to DannysMom and your vet that it will take time for your precious Kona and feline companions to adjust to this new change. Remember, your and their lives were changed when Kaia joined the angels. Now your lives are changed again with a new furchild. Each change causes an adjustment to the family dynamics, and when there is already stress - - the new change - - however positive -- is another ingredient added to the stress levels.

A puppy requires a lot of care, and of course your sweet Lexi is going to want to cuddle up with Kona. Dogs are social by nature, particularly when they are puppies. Kona, on the other hand is older and looks to you now for her comfort and care. She may initially perceive Lexi as an "intruder" into her space - - hence the walking away. Kona may also view Lexi's attention that she needs right now as diminishing the attention you give to her. It is important that you spend quality time with Kona letting her know that Lexi is NOT a replacement for Kaia - - or her - - but IS a new family member who needs her guidance and loving attention. Spend time with the both of them together, keeping Kona in the "sub-alpha" position next to you as much as possible - - keeping in mind that YOU are always the Alpha "pack leader." For now Lexi needs to be kept in the "subordinate" position when you share time with both Kona and Lexi. This does not mean that you can't spend any private quality time with Lexi. This is important as well for her emotional and physical development. It's a "tightrope" act for sure right now, but I have every confidence you will do just fine.

Another "ingredient" in this mix is that Kona and Kaia were natural siblings, and had the chemical scent of one another for identification. Lexi is a "stranger" - - totally - - so it's going to take time for Kona to "identify" with Lexi and "accept" her into the family unit. As for your feline companions, they, too, need some extra encouragement that everything is okay with Lexi joining the family unit.
Patience, understanding, and love will go a long way in settling into your "new normal."

Of course what I have shared with you sounds so simple, and from personal experience I know this is far from true. However, I hope what I have shared with you will offer you encouragement and support as you establish a new family unit, Stacy. The "comfort zone" you shared with Kona and Kaia is forever changed, and now you are embarking on a journey of establishing a new "comfort zone" with Kona, your feline companions, and Lexi. This is an exciting time in your and your precious companions' lives, but it is also stressful. Please know each of us here do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your feline companions, your baby girl Lexi, and all your family kindly, Stacy. Please know you and your precious fur tribe are in my thoughts and prayers, and I look forward to knowing how each of you are doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Stacy,

I hope everything is going better today. I have watched animal trainers on Animal Planet tv....They tell the owners to be more relaxed around their pets while working with them. Also if you could give Kona a treat when Lexi gets close to her, then Kona will idenify Lexi as something good. (Just a thought)...It still takes time........I'm glad Lexi's vet visit went well and that she is healthy.....She is a cutie pie......

LoveMyMickey

Thank you for your words of support and checking on us. After a rough night of her crying in her crate things are better this morning. Lexi came and laid in between Kona and I and they were touching just a little, but Kona did not get up. Kona has tried to play with her a little, but it hasn't worked so well mostly because of the size difference. My boy cat ventured out into our main room for awhile this morning and was watching Lexi from our table and the counters, all while she was sleeping of course. Zoe is still curious.

I got to take Kona for her regular morning walk and I know that will help her by keeping our routine.

The treat thing sounds like a good idea, I will try it.

I keep them both in the main room with me, but if my mom is home I try to take Kona into the other part of the house and leave Lexi with my mom, to give Kona a break. That way my mom can bond with Lexi too, especially since she'll be the home with them when I go back to work. At night Lexi sleeps in a crate in my room and Kona gets the bed with me or she lays in the hallway right outside my room.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you, your precious furkids, and all your family are doing. I'm so glad today has been a better one for you and your furkids. Just remember one day at a time - - sometimes one moment at a time. Celebrate the good moments, and take 10 deep breaths when chaos and panic seem to prevail. And always remember we are here for you, Stacy.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I feel so bad writing this but I can't get over the feeling that getting Lexi was not a good idea. It's been so stressful and caused so much discontent in the house among my other animals. Kona is tolerant but still acts as if she's not even here. Kona started chasing Lexi around the backyard this morning, playing like she used to with her sister, but I think Lexi was more scared than playful. I also made the mistake of giving Kona a treat that takes a little bit to eat while Lexi was eating her mid-day meal, well Lexi finished early and it was all I could do to keep her away from Kona and Kona was not happy to have her try and get her treat. I should have given it to Kona in another room. The cats still won't come out of the back of the house, which is bad for my mom's cat because she's supposed to eat mostly wet food and she usually gets fed in the kitchen.

There's just so much change going on and I'm not handling it well. I was unsure when we were meeting the puppies and I knew it but I let my heart and my mom change my mind. Now it's been so many days and we've already gone to the vet to get shots, given her flea meds and heartgard, I don't think calling the breeder to discuss it would be a possibility. I even signed up for puppy classes next month that I found out this morning are non-refundable.

I feel like such a horrible person for saying/doing this to an innocent puppy, but I just feel stuck. My mom is trying to help but she has minor health issues and right now she's on vacation, so it's just me for a few days. Plus, it's hard for me to talk about with her because she feels like it's her fault. I just don't see it getting better. I know it takes time, but I don't know if I can handle it. I feel like it's only going to get worse, if the cats can't handle a puppy they certainly aren't going to like a bigger dog as she gets older. And I feel like it's always going to be a competition between the dogs too.

I don't know what I was thinking. I feel so stupid. I have never felt like giving up a pet before, that's why I still have a lizard after 6 years that I got as a gift, but it's different this time. I'm not really bonding with Lexi either as I can't turn my mind off and Kona is around so I feel like she's going to be jealous or feel unloved.

It's such a mess, I'm crying all the time because of how I feel, and I don't know what to do.

Stacy, my heart goes out to you. I know from my own experience how difficult it can be adopting so soon after a beloved fur baby's death. Please don't give up! With cats it really can take some time, just give them a few more weeks to adapt and adjust. It IS a big change for you and your fur tribe, but I really do think that Lexi deserves a chance. She looks like such a sweet dog, and in time she will become good friends with Kona. I know your nerves must be so frazzled and this is a lot to handle, so please just take it one day at a time and be patient and loving with all your babies. Maybe you are expecting too much at this early stage.

It is quite normal that you haven't bonded with Lexi yet. You are still grieving, and bonding takes time. It may take a few months before you will establish a bond with Lexi. Please don't give up! I too felt that I had made a mistake when I adopted Shelley, my little calico cat. All I could see was Tina, and I had the image of Tina firmly fixed in my mind. But now, after two months I am getting quite attached to my little Shelley. Please hang in there. It will be worth it!

Hugs,
DannysMom

Thank you Dannysmom for responding so quickly. I have never felt like this before, and never thought it would be this hard. I know I say it and I'm outwardly thinking it, but I also know that I could never give her up. I would always worry about her getting a new home that she deserved. That'a also why I feel so stuck. Knowing I probably never should have gotten her in the first place and at the same time knowing I could never give her up now.

I think I am expecting too much too soon. But I don't know how not to. I am a person that worries by nature and have been labeled a "pleaser" in the past so it makes it that much worse when things don't work out and everyone (including animals) are not happy.

I've never dealt with this situation before. My first dog was an only dog and then I got the sisters. They were supposed to live their full lives together and I was going to have them be my last dogs. If Kaia was still here I wouldn't be dealing with any of this. I should have given myself more time and I truly think now Kona would've been ok as an only dog. I just wish I trusted my instincts and listened to the people who told me to wait.

It just happened so fast. And I know if I had not gotten her that night and took a day to think about it, like I told the breeder and my mom I wanted to, I wouldn't have. But now she's here and she is a sweet, adorable dog, I feel like I have to make it work. I'm just so afraid it won't.

So after actually having a good play session between Kona and Lexi out in the backyard Lexi found a bee and got stung right under her nose!!

I swear I hate bees. Went to the vet, she couldn't believe it either. I haven't even had her 3 days. Lexi is ok, benadryl and steriod shots just in case and the vet worried she might have scabies so gave me Revolution every 2 weeks for 3 doses.

If anything good came out of it, I was the only one there, since it was so late, so I got to talk to one of the vet techs I really like and we talked about all my concerns and issues with everything. She agreed I just need to give it time and told me it all sounded normal and I wasn't doing anything wrong. The animals will work it out.

Thank you all for your concern and helpful comments. I don't know what I'd do without you.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and your feline companions are doing. I am sooooo sorry you are feeling so stressed right now, but I agree with DannysMom and your vet tech that things WILL smoothe out for you and all of your furkids in time. Once again, try to remember to take one day at a time - - sometimes one moment at a time. Celebrate the good moments, and take 10 deep breaths when chaos and panic seem to prevail.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and your feline companions kindly, Stacy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, that I look forward to knowing how you're doing, and that we are always here for you, Stacy.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

So after A LOT of thought, research, reading and getting advice I have decided it is best to take Lexi back to the breeder. I thank you for all your advice and thoughtful words but in the end I had to take into account all my fur kids feelings and the amount of time it would take to adjust, if it ever would happen. Lexi is a wonderful puppy and will make her next family very happy.

My original reason for adopting her was for Kona to have a companion and I know it takes time for animals to adapt to each other but Kona wasn't interested from the start and I knew better but hoped once we got the puppy home that it would get better. It has been an extremely stressful week of trying to make it work and hope that things would at least start to smoothe out.

I have never been the type to reconsider or give up on an animal, but I really feel like this is the best thing for the puppy, to give her the best chance at a good life. I don't want her to feel resented or to chance waiting in the hopes it gets better and then 6 months down the line it's still not and there's nothing I can do.

The breeder said she still had two puppies left, plus the mom dog is there, so she will have her family back for awhile. I hate having to change-up her life so much at such a young age, but I truly feel like this is the best decision for everyone involved.

Stacy, so sad to hear that you are giving up so quickly on Lexi. One week is really too early to tell, especially after you and your fur tribe have just gone through losing Kaia. The reactions you were getting from your cats and Kona were fairly normal, all things considered, and nothing to be alarmed about. Cats are naturally cautious. And Kona is probably still grieving, as are you. Maybe you were expecting too much too soon? Regardless of your decision, you need to keep in mind that should you decide to get a new dog in the future that you will still be facing the same thing, an adjustment period for your animals and the new dog to get to know each other. There is no getting around that, no matter what dog you get. You will always have an adjustment period to deal with where the new family member needs to settle into the household. Perhaps it was too early for you as you are still dealing with a lot of grief over Kaia, and maybe need to wait a few months. May I suggest getting a rescue dog instead of going to a breeder? Breeders will always find someone to take their dogs, but when you rescue a dog you are actually saving two lives, the life of the dog you are rescuing and making space for them to take in a new animal. There are so many dogs and cats waiting in shelters, and they make perfectly good companions. I hope that things will work out for you in the future.

Hugs,
DannysMom

I do realize there are adjustment periods and I was prepared to work through them. The bottom line is that I was not and am not ready to adopt a puppy. I knew that last week when I met all the puppies and I got caught up in the moment and cuteness of them, which is the worst reason to get a dog.

By taking her back to the breeder I can only hope she finds a family that can give her the kind of home that I could not. It really hurts my heart to have to give her back, but I feel like its the right decision.

Dear Stacy,

I'm so sorry it didn't work out with Lexi, but I know in your heart you did what you felt was right and that is important. Months or even years later when you and your furbabies are feeling better, you might want to get another doggie. Or you all might just be okay without another one.

You can feel good that Lexi had a family to go back to, her mom and siblings. Someday she will make somebody a fine companion. Try not to feel bad Stacy, things usually work out for the best..........I thank you for sharing your story with us.

Hugs,

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LoveMyMickey. I am sitting here crying now after taking her back. I so wish it had worked out differently. The breeder was very nice about it, even though she said it had never happened to her before. I just couldn't live the way I was living for weeks or months hoping things were going to change. I was doing everything I could, researching ways to introduce cats and dogs to puppies and nothing was working.

It's the first animal I have ever given back, and I feel so awful about it, but as I said I never should have adopted her in the first place. I wouldn't be feeling like this if I had stuck to my instincts. As much as I wish things would have been different and she would have worked out, she has the ability to find a loving home.

But why do I feel so badly, I get attached so quickly and she really was a sweet puppy. I feel like a failure, that every decision I make is wrong or second guess myself. I wish I didn't feel this way all the time.

I don't think we will get another dog anytime soon, if ever again. I can't feel this sad all the time, the bad things hit me so hard. This time I did it to myself.


I'm so sorry Lexi that I couldn't give you the home you deserved, I hope you find a loving family.

Stacy, if I may be permitted to observe something that has been puzzling me. From your latest post it appears to be that you got indeed very attached to Lexi in such a short time. If you do regret it so much now then why not take her back? You seem to be going back and forth from one moment to the next, and I was trying to offer support and encouragement. It seemed as if everything was okay. You seemed to be doing alright after talking to your vet tech about it, and he/she encouraged you as well and told you that this is quite normal. Perhaps you were just really trying to hard instead of simply giving it time and not worrying so much about it. Just like moon_beam said, dogs are very social, and Kona would have taken to Lexi after a few weeks. If they didn't have any serious incidents such as growling or biting each other then there wasn't anything to worry about. Kona is simply grieving, and your cats are being cats. I too had felt that I might have made a mistake about adopting Shelley so soon, but every time I thought about it and looked into those sweet, gentle, green eyes I just knew that she was a keeper and that I couldn't possibly part with her. And time has proved me right. If you really miss Lexi so much now then perhaps your heart is telling you to get her back. For me it's just very difficult to tell as I said before because you are going back and forth so much. I hope everything works out for you either way.

After a long night of thought and reflection my mom and I have decided to go get Lexi back and give it 100% effort to make it work. I have not stopped thinking about her since we dropped her off and I know we can give her a good life. It was getting better I just need to relax and not go completely crazy.


Thank you for being so understanding and helpful through my craziness. I promise I'm not always like this.

Hi Stacy,

I was wondering if you have gotten Lexi back yet and how things are going. I know you love little Lexi and I hope everything works out for you and all your furbabies. ((((HUGS)))) P.S. By the way Stacy, you're not crazy, you're grieving, and I know it's hard to decide what to do.

LoveMyMickey

LoveMyMickey,

Yes. We got her back yesterday afternoon. I'm going to try really hard not to stress myself out this time. I've already done it a little today and caused confusion and stress among my mom and me, but I had a friend come over and talk with me and spend time with Lexi. It helped a lot. And the woman who I'm going to be taking puppy classes from offered her services if I needed them before classes start.

Everyone agrees she's a great dog with a good temperment and not to take her back. I just need to trust it will all work out and take it one day at a time.

I fully realize now though I am not done grieving my loss and my friend even noticed that Kona's face had sadness to it. Lexi will be good for both of us in the long run, I just need to get through the puppy phase.

HUGS to you too
Stacy

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing. I am just now being able to get caught up with all the events you have struggled with, and my heart goes out to you. I went through a similar situation 2 years ago after my beautiful baby girl Abbygayle joined the angels in March 2010. Two years ago this month, after 4 months since she joined the angels, I thought I would try to introduce a new brother to my precious Noah. He had always had a fur family member with him, and I thought he might appreciate a new little brother to mentor. It was a disaster!!! And I knew within 24 hours that it was not a healthy situation for my precious Noah, the new little companion, and me. Fortunately this "adoption trial" was brokered through my vet, and she was very clear that if it did not work out that I could bring the little boy back. It broke my heart to do it, for I had fallen in love with the little one, but my FIRST and FOREMOST loyalty and concern is to my Noah. Just as soon as I got back home from taking the little one back to the vet my precious little boy was visibly less stressed, and he profusely thanked me for doing it. His little heart has been broken over the last 6 years of seeing each of his three fur family members precede him to the angels, and he was letting me know that he desperately needed my undivided attention and love. I still think about the little kitten and know he was adopted into a loving family, and there is a part of me that still grieves having to return him, but I have no regrets.

The only reason why I shared this with you is because I do understand first hand the struggle you were going through with Lexi, and continue to go through in your efforts to bring peace and tranquility to your household. Please let me try to reassure you that you are NOT a bad person for having taken Lexi back to the breeder. You needed that "space" to sort through your feelings. Now that you have a better idea about what to expect, I think you will be better prepared to cope with the changes that are natural to bringing in a new furchild into your family. And the good news is that you know you are NOT alone in this adjustment journey. Not only do you have each of us here, but you also have the support of the obedience trainer and your friends. This is very important, and I am so very glad you have this.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, your feline companions, and all your family kindly, Stacy, and that you and your precious fur tribe will have a peaceful evening. Please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing to how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Yeah!!! I am so thrilled to hear that you took Lexi back. I had a feeling you would, and I know that in six months from now you will probably wonder how you ever got along without her presence. Let her puppy playfulness bring some comfort to your heart. I am glad that you have a friend to help you with Lexi. In this time of grief it is good to have the support of friends. I am sure in time Kona and Lexi will become good friends. It is just hard for her right now as she is grieving for Kaia. I hope that Lexi will bring you much joy and comfort!

Hi Stacy,

I'm happy to hear you got Lexi back. That's good that you have a friend to talk to and the puppy classes will help also. I know there will be frustrating days, but just take one day at a time and you and all your furbabies will be okay. That's good that Lexi has a good temperment, but the puppy phase takes a lot of work and patience.......Just "hang in there" Stacy, and you will be okay......((((HUGS)))) Give that cute little Lexi a special pat on the head for me.

LoveMyMickey

Hi and Thank you all for your support, it really means a lot. I haven't had a puppy for 5 years and even then I had 2 puppies so they played together and it was so much easier. I haven't had a single puppy since 1994 and I've never had an older dog and a puppy. Plus it's only been 2 months today that I lost Kaia, which causes more pain/stress and confusion.

Moonbeam: I questioned even the next day that I had got her back, because that one night when she was gone the cats had come out and everything was back the way it was. But that also made it hard, because it was back to having the loss of Kaia be such a big part of my day. I think that's why I decided to bring Lexi back, that and I worried about her and where she would go. I'm not 100% on having her back because of all the puppy stuff, but I'm hoping soon I will be.

Dannysmom: Thank you. It was your words that made me start really thinking I didn't give it enough time. The next couple of months are going to be challenging but I'm going to trust that it will all be ok in the end.

LoveMyMickey: Thank you. I'm glad to have her here and not anywhere else. The puppy phase is going to be rough. One day at a time is all I can think about right now. I'm sure soon it will all be ok.

Things are going well so far since having her back. Kona and Lexi like to chase each other around the backyard but I have to watch to make sure Kona doesn't get too rough. It's just so much Lexi does reminds me of Kaia and it makes me sad or guilty that it's her and not Kaia. I know it will get better.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious fur family are doing. Ah yes, the "between the betwixt" - - can't go backward - - and seriously wondering how can I go forward. Sometimes we have to develop a mantra like the Little Train: "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," to the point where you can finally say with a smile on your face, "I know I can, I know I can." In time I truly believe you and your household will blend together and can feel "whole" again - - even though it is a "new whole" - - a "new normal." And hopefully you will feel your beloved Kaia's sweet Living Spirit sharing everything with you.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and all your precious companions kindly, Stacy. Please know you, your precious companions, and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Stacy, I am so thrilled to hear that! I had a feeling that you were getting attached to Lexi, that it wasn't just the cuteness of the puppy and the spur of the moment. Even while we are grieving it is possible to form a new bond with a companion animal. It's like a tender shoot that comes up quietly. I think that in a few months from now you'll realize what a blessing Lexi is. It may not be apparent now, but you'll see!
I had a similar situation with my cat Shelley. At first it was so strange and odd. She looks so different from my sweet Tina who was also a calico cat. I still had the image of Tina in my mind, and Shelley just didn't "fit". I would look at her black nose and think:"Why is it black? It should be pink like Tina's!" I was scared and unsure, but on the other hand I absolutely loved her gentle green eyes. Every time I thought about giving up and I would look into Shelley's green eyes it was like something touched my heart so deeply. This little cat seemed to sense how much I was hurting. And then I would worry about what would happen to her if I gave her away and that's how I knew I couldn't possibly give her up. If I had given her up I would have made a HUGE mistake! My other cat Mindy is crazy about Shelley and these two girl kitties get along so well as if they were from the same litter. Shelley is a sweetie as I'm sure your Lexi is. Just give it time and don't worry!

I swear I am cursed.

Yesterday as I was getting ice from our bottom freezer Lexi decided to lick and get her tongue stuck (a second or two) on the metal part that slides the drawer open/closed. She got freezer burn/frostbite on her tongue, thankfully not too bad and is now on antibiotics for 2 weeks and pain meds for another 2 days. They cautioned she might lose part of her tongue, but I'm pretty sure I've seen some improvement. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Otherwise things were/are going pretty well amongst all my furkids.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Lexi are doing. I am soooo sorry about Lexi's tongue. Please know she is in my thoughts and prayers that her tongue will heal and remain intact. Our furkids can get themselves into predicaments that we never thought were possible. Please let us know how your baby girl's recovery goes.

Other than this frostbite episode I am so glad that things are improving with your precious Kona, Lexi and feline companions. I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and all your precious companions kindly, Stacy. Please know you, your precious companions, and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Stacy,

I am so sorry about little Lexi's tongue. I hope it is healing well. It is good to hear things are going pretty well among all your furbabies.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.......(((HUGS)))

LoveMyMickey

Just wanted to let everyone know that Lexi's tongue is all healed up and looks great. She's still on antibiotics for 4 more days. It was a first for the vet's office so she is the talk amongst the staff. Lexi is 3 months old now. She went in for booster shots today. She's sleeping all night in her crate with no accidents, going for short walks around our neighborhood. Kona tolerates Lexi cuddling up with her. Puppy classes start next week

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Stacy, that is good news about Lexi's tongue healing! Those are nice photos. Lexi looks so happy next to Kona. I like the way she puts her paw on Kona's leg. I'm sure the two will become good friends. Lexi seems like a really sweet dog.

Hi, Stacy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you, your precious Kona, and baby girl Lexi are doing. Adding my sincerest congratulations, and sigh of relief, that your precious Lexi's tongue has healed nicely. I know this is a relief to you. Thank you for the wonderful pictures of your precious Kona and little Lexi, too. Good news that your little girl is sleeping through the night, and I know the puppy classes will be a great experience for the both of you. Sounds like you and your precious furkids are getting into a more natural routine and rhythm now.

Thank you so much for sharing your precious little Lexi with us, Stacy. I hope today is treating you, your precious Kona, your baby girl Lexi, and all your precious companions kindly. Please know you, your precious companions, and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Awwww, Stacy, Kona and Lexi look so sweet together. I'm so glad Lexi's tongue has healed and that she is sleeping through the night.
Thank you Stacy, for sharing your story with us and I hope everything keeps on going well.
Give the furbabies a special pat for me.....God Bless.

LoveMyMickey