L was his own unique brand of crazy. And by crazy, I don't mean rambunctious, or wild, I mean slightly unbalanced. During his puppyhood, there were definitely times that I found this exasperating, but over time we came to accept and even love his quirks. He never conformed - instead, he had a way of making the world around him conform to him. He stood us all on our ears, and now suddenly he is gone and we are left wondering how we got this way, and if we can stand right-side up again.
We thought about adopting another rescue dog - maybe a young adult so that B could have someone to play and chase with. We even looked at a young chihuahua mix being fostered one town over (because Mr. Geek said that getting a chihuahua wouldn't really even count as getting another dog) but I'm just not ready. I think we were panicking because we felt so bad, but I think we all need some time to adjust. I still have plenty of work to do with B, and don't feel like I can take on a new dog just yet. Maybe next year, if the right dog comes along.
We were worried about how B would take the loss of her constant playmate. We decided that we needed to keep her as busy as possible, although for a few weeks, I didn't really have much heart for agility training. It made me extra glad that I put so much effort into helping B grow more confident with other dogs, because once we put the word out that we needed playdates for B, we had friends lining up to come over. B probably played with 30 different dogs at our house in the weeks following L's death - some were old friends, and some she had never met before. She did great with all of them.
I don't have too many pictures, but here's a little pitty puppy that B has had a great time with several times over the past month.
We actually dog sat this big goofy Plott hound for a few days. I think B enjoyed having an in-house playmate again.
Right after the Plott hound went home, we dog sat my friend's catahoula - one of B's best friends. We took the two of them to the river for some fun. (Poor Z had to sit this river trip out - we've been taking him to swim in the river this summer, but that week he was very sore in the shoulder, so swimming in the current was out.)
Right after the Plott hound went home, we dog sat my friend's catahoula - one of B's best friends. We took the two of them to the river for some fun. (Poor Z had to sit this river trip out - we've been taking him to swim in the river this summer, but that week he was very sore in the shoulder, so swimming in the current was out.)
For a while, I felt like I didn't want to do agility without L. But, I think that agility is something that B needs in her life - she is a dog who needs to be pushed to the edge of her comfort zone, and probably will all her life. So, B and I are back into agility training now, getting ready for her second trial, which is only a week away now. (Her first trial went well, by the way - she qualified in half of her runs!) I know this first trial without L is going to be tough, so we'll be taking Z along with us for moral support. And we'll just do the best we can!
9 comments:
Oh, my --do I ever know some of what you are going through.
I really hesitated about getting a new dog right away, but there was SUCH a huge hole in our lives.
And, when we learned that our new dog was in a kill shelter, well--that did it. Such wonderful animals being wasted.
Take your time--B needs you and the right dog will come along, when it is time.
All I can recommend is take all of the time you need. WE know how hard it is to lose that special dog.
We so understand what you're going through. You'll somehow know when the time is right.
It sounds like B is helping you to find your way. You've worked so hard to help her be a confident and outgoing dog. Now it's paying off for both of you.
Hang in there and give Z and B lots of hugs.
I know just how you feel, having lost two dogs in my life. I don't believe non dog owners really know how deep such grief can be.
Loved the photographs of B and friends.
B is for blessing at this difficult time. That's one reason we're big fans of having dogs of different ages or at least spaced apart. Then, the house is never completely empty ... after such a loss.
Love the puppy photos, especially her tackling the pitty pup. Little brown bottoms sticking up in the air are too cute.
Grief just takes time. Give it the space and all the crying jags it needs.
Sending big hugs!
while this is my first visit to your blog (I found you thru "Champion of my heart"), I felt I just had to comment. I am so sorry for your loss. While never easy, losing a young vibrant dog in such an unexpected way is, I think, twice as difficult.
You'll know when the time is right to get a new dog, for now let yourself grieve and miss your beautiful boy. Its ok.
RIP beautiful L
Debbie (Murphydog's Mom)
Sorrowing with you for L. I know how hard it is and still get weepy sometimes for my old friends who have passed on.
Daisy's Barbara
With everything going on in my life, I have hesitated to read about more loss in other people's lives. It's been about two years since I lost my dog Willow. I bought my dog Java soon after my loss and she's been a life saver with everything that passed soon after she came into my life. I've wondered whether having multiple dogs helps with the pain, but it appears it doesn't as each dog is different. I hope things are less painful soon for you.
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