I just lost my beloved Wheaten Terrier "Chewy" after only six short years and a six month battle with cancer. The grief is overwhelming and he was more like a human than a dog. I know everyone feels that way about their dogs but if anyone has ever owned a Wheaten Terrier they know that these dogs have something amazing about them that make them almost human. I am not trying to say my dog is better or my experience is unique but it helps to share this with others who may be able to relate. We have three dogs total and Chewy was the only Wheaten. The other two are girls and are pot hounds that we rescued from Grenada on our trips there. They are incredible, gentle and loving dogs but they don't seem to have that human quality that my male Wheaten had, not to mention I am a guy so he was a ruff and tumble dog, which I loved. I could hold him upside down, wrestle with him and play with him like guys do. I cant do this witht he other two because they are more timid. Again I love them dearly but I will miss the fun and roughhousing that Chewy loved. He also could literally read my mind. I would just think about going on the boat and he would go to the door, pretend like he wanted to go to the bathroom, then bolt to the boat, hop on and sit in the captain's chair with a look like "I can drive if you want". He swam like a fish, loved the pool, the ocean and would hurl himself in reckless abandon towards any source of water. He literally was up for anything that I did and trusted me with anything up to the end when I had to make the gut wrenching decision to stop his suffering and start mine. This is also the first pet that I have had to do this to and with him being so young it only added to the pain and hurt.
So now onto my thoughts that I would like some feedback...
First, I feel horrible thinking about getting a new Wheaten because I feel that it alienates Chewy's memory as if to say he is replaceable. I don't know if there is a respectable amount of time or heeling process that must take place before I should do this. Secondly, I am scared that if I get one, I will be comparing him too much to Chewy and feel disappointment if he doesn't like the water or is not interested in following me everywhere as an example. I am thinking about a different but similar breed to help mitigate this but I am not sure what breed could compare and if this is the right approach. He recently passed and I just loved him so much and had so much fun with him in every activity and I just want that back desperately. I also know that wants like this can backfire and nothing will ever replace him nor do I want that. I am a guy and supposed to be able to handle these things a little better but my wife seems to be the strong one and I am a mess. Making decisions like this when you are this emotional can be tricky and I am not saying I am going to adopt a new Wheaten tomorrow but I do feel like we offer a good home. He was such an intimate part of our family and household that it seems like we are missing something as important as our front door when I go home. Even if you do not have any advice I appreciate you listening as even sharing my thoughts and feelings is very helpful.
Full Version: Guilt Of New Puppy And Expectations
Hi, wheatenlover, please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Chewy. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.
Wheatenlover, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and in your own time - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be all too painful right now that include "this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year" to endure.
Wheatenlover, everyone grieves in their own way, and for you the physical loss of your beloved Chewy is a very painful experience. This doesn't mean your wife is feeling the loss less painful - - it just means that she is finding her own way, a different way, in coping with this enormous adjustment.
Adopting another companion after a physical loss is a very personal decision. Some people find it helpful to adopt quickly as having another companion to take care can be very comforting. Some people find it helpful to wait until their deep grief eases so that they can make a better decision about what they want to do. And some people never adopt again - - for a variety of reasons.
Adopting another Wheaten is NOT being disloyal to your beloved Chewy. Many people are "breed" enthusiasts, and when one of their companions transitions home to the angels, there is no doubt they will adopt another companion from the same breed. During the deep grief it is very normal to want to "re-create" the bond you shared with your beloved companion with another new companion. But this will not happen - - it cannot happen - - for each companion has his / her own unique personalities and needs and preferences - - just like us humans.
My mom used to tell me, "when in doubt, wait. You will know when the time is "right" to do something." I have found this advice to be very useful through the years. My encouragement to you is to wait until you feel more settled and ready to adopt another companion. I assure you that your beloved Chewy is already guiding your path to that moment in time when you will know beyond all shadow of a doubt that you and your new companion are ready to embrace each other.
In the meantime, you may want to consider to "pet sit" for a family member or friend, or do some volunteer work at the local shelter - - or perhaps volunteer as a "rescue" home while the companion is waiting for a Forever Home. Please know that WHATEVER you decide is the RIGHT decision for you.
Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling is very normal deep grief, and that in time you will begin to find yourself feeling more "settled" again. But until this time comes for you, please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
And although your beloved Chewy is no longer physically with you, please know that the love bond you and your beloved Chewy share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Chewy's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey as he always has and always will - -for he is always and forever in your heart and memories, wheatenlover - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.
Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Chewy with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, wheatenlover, and please let us know how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
Wheatenlover, this grief journey is one of the most painful experiences you will know on this side of eternity. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and in your own time - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be all too painful right now that include "this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year" to endure.
Wheatenlover, everyone grieves in their own way, and for you the physical loss of your beloved Chewy is a very painful experience. This doesn't mean your wife is feeling the loss less painful - - it just means that she is finding her own way, a different way, in coping with this enormous adjustment.
Adopting another companion after a physical loss is a very personal decision. Some people find it helpful to adopt quickly as having another companion to take care can be very comforting. Some people find it helpful to wait until their deep grief eases so that they can make a better decision about what they want to do. And some people never adopt again - - for a variety of reasons.
Adopting another Wheaten is NOT being disloyal to your beloved Chewy. Many people are "breed" enthusiasts, and when one of their companions transitions home to the angels, there is no doubt they will adopt another companion from the same breed. During the deep grief it is very normal to want to "re-create" the bond you shared with your beloved companion with another new companion. But this will not happen - - it cannot happen - - for each companion has his / her own unique personalities and needs and preferences - - just like us humans.
My mom used to tell me, "when in doubt, wait. You will know when the time is "right" to do something." I have found this advice to be very useful through the years. My encouragement to you is to wait until you feel more settled and ready to adopt another companion. I assure you that your beloved Chewy is already guiding your path to that moment in time when you will know beyond all shadow of a doubt that you and your new companion are ready to embrace each other.
In the meantime, you may want to consider to "pet sit" for a family member or friend, or do some volunteer work at the local shelter - - or perhaps volunteer as a "rescue" home while the companion is waiting for a Forever Home. Please know that WHATEVER you decide is the RIGHT decision for you.
Please let me try to reassure you that what you are feeling is very normal deep grief, and that in time you will begin to find yourself feeling more "settled" again. But until this time comes for you, please know you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
And although your beloved Chewy is no longer physically with you, please know that the love bond you and your beloved Chewy share is eternal - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Chewy's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey as he always has and always will - -for he is always and forever in your heart and memories, wheatenlover - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.
Thank you so much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Chewy with us. Perhaps sometime you will feel up to sharing a picture of him with us - - but only when / if you want to. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, wheatenlover, and please let us know how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
QUOTE (wheatenlover @ Mar 31 2014, 02:11 PM) 
I just lost my beloved Wheaten Terrier "Chewy" after only six short years and a six month battle with cancer. The grief is overwhelming and he was more like a human than a dog. I know everyone feels that way about their dogs but if anyone has ever owned a Wheaten Terrier they know that these dogs have something amazing about them that make them almost human. I am not trying to say my dog is better or my experience is unique but it helps to share this with others who may be able to relate. We have three dogs total and Chewy was the only Wheaten. The other two are girls and are pot hounds that we rescued from Grenada on our trips there. They are incredible, gentle and loving dogs but they don't seem to have that human quality that my male Wheaten had, not to mention I am a guy so he was a ruff and tumble dog, which I loved. I could hold him upside down, wrestle with him and play with him like guys do. I cant do this witht he other two because they are more timid. Again I love them dearly but I will miss the fun and roughhousing that Chewy loved. He also could literally read my mind. I would just think about going on the boat and he would go to the door, pretend like he wanted to go to the bathroom, then bolt to the boat, hop on and sit in the captain's chair with a look like "I can drive if you want". He swam like a fish, loved the pool, the ocean and would hurl himself in reckless abandon towards any source of water. He literally was up for anything that I did and trusted me with anything up to the end when I had to make the gut wrenching decision to stop his suffering and start mine. This is also the first pet that I have had to do this to and with him being so young it only added to the pain and hurt.
So now onto my thoughts that I would like some feedback...
First, I feel horrible thinking about getting a new Wheaten because I feel that it alienates Chewy's memory as if to say he is replaceable. I don't know if there is a respectable amount of time or heeling process that must take place before I should do this. Secondly, I am scared that if I get one, I will be comparing him too much to Chewy and feel disappointment if he doesn't like the water or is not interested in following me everywhere as an example. I am thinking about a different but similar breed to help mitigate this but I am not sure what breed could compare and if this is the right approach. He recently passed and I just loved him so much and had so much fun with him in every activity and I just want that back desperately. I also know that wants like this can backfire and nothing will ever replace him nor do I want that. I am a guy and supposed to be able to handle these things a little better but my wife seems to be the strong one and I am a mess. Making decisions like this when you are this emotional can be tricky and I am not saying I am going to adopt a new Wheaten tomorrow but I do feel like we offer a good home. He was such an intimate part of our family and household that it seems like we are missing something as important as our front door when I go home. Even if you do not have any advice I appreciate you listening as even sharing my thoughts and feelings is very helpful.
So now onto my thoughts that I would like some feedback...
First, I feel horrible thinking about getting a new Wheaten because I feel that it alienates Chewy's memory as if to say he is replaceable. I don't know if there is a respectable amount of time or heeling process that must take place before I should do this. Secondly, I am scared that if I get one, I will be comparing him too much to Chewy and feel disappointment if he doesn't like the water or is not interested in following me everywhere as an example. I am thinking about a different but similar breed to help mitigate this but I am not sure what breed could compare and if this is the right approach. He recently passed and I just loved him so much and had so much fun with him in every activity and I just want that back desperately. I also know that wants like this can backfire and nothing will ever replace him nor do I want that. I am a guy and supposed to be able to handle these things a little better but my wife seems to be the strong one and I am a mess. Making decisions like this when you are this emotional can be tricky and I am not saying I am going to adopt a new Wheaten tomorrow but I do feel like we offer a good home. He was such an intimate part of our family and household that it seems like we are missing something as important as our front door when I go home. Even if you do not have any advice I appreciate you listening as even sharing my thoughts and feelings is very helpful.
Hi wheatonlover,
First of all, I would like to tell you how very sorry I am in the loss of your sweet pup Chewy, what a cute name that is, and I am sure that it fit him so well. He sounds like such a fun and spirited little guy, and I can just imagine how very much you must miss him. It is so very hard when we have to say goodbye to them, and he was so young too, which makes it all the more tragic. I really do understand what you are going through, as I lost my dear cat Jasper almost two months ago, and he was only seven years old. I still to this day feel cheated out of so many precious years we could have had together, so much time we missed out on, and sometimes I think, as strange as it sounds, that a mistake was made, that he was taken from me way too soon, and that he wasn't supposed to leave yet, but then I have to come back to reality and embrace those seven wonderful years with him, seven short but beautiful years that I would not trade for anything in this world. Every precious moment is ingrained in my memory forever, and although he may not be here physically, he will never fade from my heart or my world, and I am sure this is the same way you feel about your Chewy.
Now as far as getting another doggie, that is totally up to you, and you will know when the time is right. But I must tell you that at the very beginning, since I work around pets, I would see a cat that looked like my Jasper, and I would be just mesmerized by them, I was drawn to any cat that even resembled my boy just like a magnet. There were a few times that I came close to adopting one, as I was trying to fill the deep emptiness of my loss, and I was trying to make my family whole again. I have another cat named Jingles, and he is thirteen years old, and it was always just the three of us against the world, well when Jasper left it was all so wrong, how could it be just the two of us now, we were always the three musketeers. I wanted to do anything I could to fill that empty place in our family, such a big part of me and our life was missing, and I thought that just maybe, by getting another little one who needed me, it would help ease the hurt just a bit.
Well just let me tell you, as for me personally, I am very glad that I waited, because now I can look back on those days when I was in the throes of my deepest grief, and I realize that I wanted to do anything at all to just make it better, to just make it stop hurting. But for me, it was not the right time to adopt, I was still grieving so much, and I did not have the energy or the love to give that a new little one so needs and so deserves. Now I am not saying that you don't, every single person is different, and everyone walks on this path differently, and some are ready to adopt faster than others. I know now that for me, I was trying so hard to find a kitty that looked just like my Jasper, never ever to replace him, he was a once in a lifetime kitty, but to fill the terrible emptiness I was feeling. It would not have worked for me, or for any rescue that needs so much time and energy devoted to them, I just didn't have it in me then, my loss was so new, and this grief struggle can be so exhausting and draining, and it would not have been fair for either one of us. I can see this now, but I could not have seen it back in those first weeks when my heart was breaking and I was so consumed by my loss of someone so dear and precious to me.
I know that we all are different, so you have to do what you feel is right, you have to feel in your heart that it is time to open your home to another companion, and you will know when the time is right. All I am saying is that I really thought I was ready to adopt, but I do think I would have been constantly comparing the new little one to my Jasper, actually I even had a fleeting thought of naming him Jasper Jr, go figure, grief makes you go places you never thought you would go. I know that any rescue I adopt will be his own little person, and there was only one Jasper, and there will never ever be another. I just wanted him back so badly, even a living, breathing kitty that looked like him, maybe, just maybe, that would stop the pain, but it wouldn't have and I know this now, he was not and he would never be my Jasper, and as soon as I recognized this, I knew that I had made the right decison for me. I know eventually, I would like to get another kitty, and I also think that Jasper will lead me to the perfect one for Jingles and I, and he will be so happy to know that he left so much love behind, that I had enough love left over in my heart to give to another one in need.
Wheatonlover, just let me say that I can think of no better way to honor and embrace the precious memory of your sweet Chewy than by opening your heart and home to a doggie who so needs you, and giving them the loving family they so deserve, just make sure you are ready, and make sure the time is right, only you will know. Your words are so filled with the love you have for your little guy, and I can tell how very much he meant to you, and my heart truly goes out to you, the pain of saying goodbye to them is beyond words, it is such a deep down sadness. Thank you so much for writing and letting us know about your dear Chewy, he sounds so sweet and so special, and what a lucky little doggie he was to have had such a wonderful and caring family who loved him so very much, and how lucky you were to have such a dear little soul as him find you and come into your life, even for such a little while.
Wheatenlover,
First I want to say how terribly sorry I am to hear of your loss of Chewy. Such a huge loss for you. You so clearly describe your Chewy. Oh wow, I could just see him sitting in the captain’s chair taunting you—that actually brought a smile to my face. What a really great guy Chewy must have been. I am so, so, SO sorry for you loss. Your very best friend, your right hand, your buddy.
As far as the potential for being disappointed in a new adopted fur-buddy, well, I guess that is a risk. I feel completely inept in offering any advice. How long you wait to adopt would certainly be a personal matter/choice, one between you and your wife. I thing that if you continue to visit this forum you’ll find support and possibly answers to your questions will be forthcoming from within you.
Your pain from losing Chewy is so fresh, so real and so intense. Hearing the way you describe him, even though it was not a lengthy description, it was so vivid, and I could tell what a really super-great best friend he was to you, and that losing him is a hugely painful thing. And I know, for you to come here and write about this, tells me just how painful it is for you.
And as for spouses holding up, one better than the other. Who knows, maybe that’s a blessing? My husband is doing so much better than I. I know, beyond any doubt, that he loved Molly (our cat of 16 yrs. who died three weeks ago), but he seems to be just getting on with life. Me…although I am normally a very strong person, someone you’d want to have around in an emergency, seriously…. me, I’ve just crumbled under the pain of losing Molly. It’s a road that is hard beyond words.
So, I guess my best advice to you would be to hang around this forum for a while…and write. You know how sometimes you just need to talk through a problem with a friend, and just in the talking you begin to see another answer, you know how that works? Well, maybe the same with this forum. Maybe the give and take of support, the sharing, may help you through this and help you come to the “right” answers for you.
You have our understanding and support here. Hugs
It would be.lovely to see a picture of your dear dog. I feel your pain.
Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement. It is extremely helpful knowing there are other people out there who can empathize with my situation. I can't tell you how grateful I am to those of you who took the time out of your busy days to respond to me and give me the guidance I need. I agree that I should wait until I really feel the time is right and I can honor Chewy's memory by giving a good home to a dog that needs it. Thank you all again so much.
Posting a pic is the least I can do given all the kind words and support you all have given me. Here is my buddy on the left when we were out on the boat with our little family.
Hi, wheatenlover, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and for this wonderful picture of you with your beloved Chewy and your other precious companions. During the deep grief our memories are like a two sided coin: first and foremost they are precious memories that will always be treasured, while on the other side of the coin they are - during the deep grief - - painful reminders that a very important member of our life and family unit is physically missing.
I hope and pray that you will find comfort in the many treasured memories you and your beloved Chewy share, wheatenlover. And please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
I hope today is treating you kindly, wheatenlover, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Chewy's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
I hope and pray that you will find comfort in the many treasured memories you and your beloved Chewy share, wheatenlover. And please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.
I hope today is treating you kindly, wheatenlover, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Chewy's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.
Peace and blessings,
moon_beam
What a really great looking family you have, Wheatonlover! Chewy looked like he was a really, really very sweet pooch! Well, he was very lucky to have the family you gave him!! Thanks for posting the photo.
QUOTE (wheatenlover @ Mar 31 2014, 11:11 AM)
I just lost my beloved Wheaten Terrier "Chewy" after only six short years and a six month battle with cancer. The grief is overwhelming and he was more like a human than a dog. I know everyone feels that way about their dogs but if anyone has ever owned a Wheaten Terrier they know that these dogs have something amazing about them that make them almost human. I am not trying to say my dog is better or my experience is unique but it helps to share this with others who may be able to relate. We have three dogs total and Chewy was the only Wheaten. The other two are girls and are pot hounds that we rescued from Grenada on our trips there. They are incredible, gentle and loving dogs but they don't seem to have that human quality that my male Wheaten had, not to mention I am a guy so he was a ruff and tumble dog, which I loved. I could hold him upside down, wrestle with him and play with him like guys do. I cant do this witht he other two because they are more timid. Again I love them dearly but I will miss the fun and roughhousing that Chewy loved. He also could literally read my mind. I would just think about going on the boat and he would go to the door, pretend like he wanted to go to the bathroom, then bolt to the boat, hop on and sit in the captain's chair with a look like "I can drive if you want". He swam like a fish, loved the pool, the ocean and would hurl himself in reckless abandon towards any source of water. He literally was up for anything that I did and trusted me with anything up to the end when I had to make the gut wrenching decision to stop his suffering and start mine. This is also the first pet that I have had to do this to and with him being so young it only added to the pain and hurt.
So now onto my thoughts that I would like some feedback...
First, I feel horrible thinking about getting a new Wheaten because I feel that it alienates Chewy's memory as if to say he is replaceable. I don't know if there is a respectable amount of time or heeling process that must take place before I should do this. Secondly, I am scared that if I get one, I will be comparing him too much to Chewy and feel disappointment if he doesn't like the water or is not interested in following me everywhere as an example. I am thinking about a different but similar breed to help mitigate this but I am not sure what breed could compare and if this is the right approach. He recently passed and I just loved him so much and had so much fun with him in every activity and I just want that back desperately. I also know that wants like this can backfire and nothing will ever replace him nor do I want that. I am a guy and supposed to be able to handle these things a little better but my wife seems to be the strong one and I am a mess. Making decisions like this when you are this emotional can be tricky and I am not saying I am going to adopt a new Wheaten tomorrow but I do feel like we offer a good home. He was such an intimate part of our family and household that it seems like we are missing something as important as our front door when I go home. Even if you do not have any advice I appreciate you listening as even sharing my thoughts and feelings is very helpful.
So now onto my thoughts that I would like some feedback...
First, I feel horrible thinking about getting a new Wheaten because I feel that it alienates Chewy's memory as if to say he is replaceable. I don't know if there is a respectable amount of time or heeling process that must take place before I should do this. Secondly, I am scared that if I get one, I will be comparing him too much to Chewy and feel disappointment if he doesn't like the water or is not interested in following me everywhere as an example. I am thinking about a different but similar breed to help mitigate this but I am not sure what breed could compare and if this is the right approach. He recently passed and I just loved him so much and had so much fun with him in every activity and I just want that back desperately. I also know that wants like this can backfire and nothing will ever replace him nor do I want that. I am a guy and supposed to be able to handle these things a little better but my wife seems to be the strong one and I am a mess. Making decisions like this when you are this emotional can be tricky and I am not saying I am going to adopt a new Wheaten tomorrow but I do feel like we offer a good home. He was such an intimate part of our family and household that it seems like we are missing something as important as our front door when I go home. Even if you do not have any advice I appreciate you listening as even sharing my thoughts and feelings is very helpful.
Hello my virtual friend in mourning. The topic you raise is such an important one, because it affects you and your new little companion. Two weeks ago I lost my little chihuahua of 15 years. Gus was such a sensitive soul that, although I wanted a pack of little dogs, I never got another puppy after him because I was afraid to alienate him. He really was so sensitive to everything that I thought having a second baby in the house (besides him and his older sister), that he would get really resentful about it. Now that he has passed, I am thinking about another companion, but I'm afraid that I will want another dog just like Gus, and that any new little dog in the house will sense that he is failing my expectations to have exactly what I had before. That is why I've decided to rescue my next dog, when I'm ready, and I will do my very best to accept whatever personality they bring into my life, accepting that they have expectations of me as well that I must live up to. It is so hard to go from having that one little soul that has bonded with your heart one day, to losing that presence the very next day...and having to live with the fact that you made the decision to end their existence. The separation is unbearable, and I guess I am trying so hard not to try and fill that void with something else that has a right to its own special personality. I don't want to miss out on the next amazing little companion.
Thanks for raising the point and helping me verbalize a feeling that I just don't know how to handle yet. There will never be another Gus...ever...just like Chewy can never be replaced. But i'm hoping that wherever our little babies have gone, they are guiding our destiny, and will help put the next amazing creature in our direct path so that we feel that love again.
Good luck! Which ever little baby you find next, will be the exact right one to have in your life. You'll see!
Hi Wheatenlover,
First let me express my deepest sympathies for your loss. 6 years is way too young. We lost Scarlett, our furry baby in July. She passed suddenly and she was only 7 years old. She was our only furry one and without her life was unbearable. The deep grief we felt and continue to feel has been life altering. My husband and I knew we wanted to bring another furry one into our home but didn't know when we would feel it would be right. We too decided that we wanted to stay with the same breed. Scarlett was so special. She being a Cavalier King Charles she had a lot of the traits found in the breed but she did not act like a dog - she acted like a human. My husband and I found a breeder but told the breeder we weren't ready... and then months later the breeder sent us a picture of this little puppy. Her eyes were so deep and soulful... we went to meet the puppy in person and it just felt right. She felt like she was supposed to come home with us. We named her Effie and she came home with us on Dec. 21st. a little over 5 months after losing our Scarlett.
Honestly, we did compare Effie to Scarlett - and still do - I think its only natural. And sometimes we call her Scarlett by accident (which is a little jarring) but her individual personality does shine through. Sometimes she does act like our Scarlett - and other times she acts uniquely like Effie. Its been a strange, wonderful and healing experience getting to know Effie and bonding with her.
Listen to your intuition, you will know if and when you are ready to take another furry one into your home and heart.
First let me express my deepest sympathies for your loss. 6 years is way too young. We lost Scarlett, our furry baby in July. She passed suddenly and she was only 7 years old. She was our only furry one and without her life was unbearable. The deep grief we felt and continue to feel has been life altering. My husband and I knew we wanted to bring another furry one into our home but didn't know when we would feel it would be right. We too decided that we wanted to stay with the same breed. Scarlett was so special. She being a Cavalier King Charles she had a lot of the traits found in the breed but she did not act like a dog - she acted like a human. My husband and I found a breeder but told the breeder we weren't ready... and then months later the breeder sent us a picture of this little puppy. Her eyes were so deep and soulful... we went to meet the puppy in person and it just felt right. She felt like she was supposed to come home with us. We named her Effie and she came home with us on Dec. 21st. a little over 5 months after losing our Scarlett.
Honestly, we did compare Effie to Scarlett - and still do - I think its only natural. And sometimes we call her Scarlett by accident (which is a little jarring) but her individual personality does shine through. Sometimes she does act like our Scarlett - and other times she acts uniquely like Effie. Its been a strange, wonderful and healing experience getting to know Effie and bonding with her.
Listen to your intuition, you will know if and when you are ready to take another furry one into your home and heart.
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.
Some people believe our dogs spirits still guide us and that they want to come back for another lifetime with us. They will send us some signals so we'll suddenly find ourselves looking at new dogs. Go look at some, you may find one you are drawn to and look in its eyes and just know its your dogs spirit in there.
I have been reading these and found them very comforting.
http://www.animalsinourhearts.com/articles...-reunions.html#
http://tailbook.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/r...-river-of-life/
There is one says if you call your dogs name softly 3 times you can talk to its spirit. I do that alot even though she's not gone yet but her spirit is within the body. I tell her everyday I'm going to find her a new young fit body to come back to me for another lifetime together.
Some people believe our dogs spirits still guide us and that they want to come back for another lifetime with us. They will send us some signals so we'll suddenly find ourselves looking at new dogs. Go look at some, you may find one you are drawn to and look in its eyes and just know its your dogs spirit in there.
I have been reading these and found them very comforting.
http://www.animalsinourhearts.com/articles...-reunions.html#
http://tailbook.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/r...-river-of-life/
There is one says if you call your dogs name softly 3 times you can talk to its spirit. I do that alot even though she's not gone yet but her spirit is within the body. I tell her everyday I'm going to find her a new young fit body to come back to me for another lifetime together.
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