I think you do right not to plan another dog . I missed ( still do massively of course ) Sam so much , that I mistakenly wanted another dog . I then realised that I didn't actually want another dog , I wanted Sam . A quiet acceptance helps, takes away the pressure because I don't know about you, but I get asked the question often " When will you have another one ? " . And now , I just reply that I`m not planning on having one and its not up for discussion ! Funny and silly memories are just great , just the best xxxx
The way I think about it is if one shows up I'll think yep I have that dog, but I not looking really just not interested. I think your right about the pressure Kate I'm just giving myself a break. Strange really because I usually have a new one lined up. I determined not to just get one to replace Moo (as if)but when I get another it's because I want to commit to a new doggie adventure. Yes I think Casper is like Moo they are dogs in glorious technicolour never black and white.having Moo around was like the grand canyon in the back yard epic and very silly.
Wise words and as you know, I'm walking down a similar path with Brogan. Though you have been much wiser in recognising that feeling sooner. For @SwampDonkey , it's still so soon. You are right to take ALL that sort of pressure off. And I don't know about being part Patterdale, but Empress Moo seems like she may have had a bit of Bodeguero in there. That 'how on earth did they even think that up and go do it' side to them? Though it's surely bittersweet for you, it's a measure of her impact that people are still coming up to you and telling you Moo stories. The Immortal Empress!
It's really nice to know she was so well loved. One of my doggy friends told me she never took her eyes off you you know, you never saw it but we all did she really loved you don't forget. you meant everything to her like she did to you. Everyone's been so nice it's really helped.
I'm so sorry, when I lost my Lacey last year, it was heartbreaking. We weren't very close (she was more my sisters dog) but I miss her so much. She was not a Labrador (she was a Japanese Spitz) and was the best big sister to Lucius. He was so sad when she passed away.
Rory has been very brave and adjusted really well, but I am noticing he is suddenly really really playful with girl dogs. He's got to the stage in his life where he wanted to be with me and was just not fussed with other dogs. He will play with some of his friends but now he's very interested in girls. He wants to really play with them he's attentive charming and courtly. He's nearly five and this is a really different behaviour for him. He was always friendly but he is so interested in play at the moment. It's just his way of coping.
I'm a bloke and reading this has brought a tear to my eyes!, sleep well Moo!. It's took us 6 years of serious deliberation to bring a dog into our family, you've done the right thing not rushing straight out and buying another dog.
6 weeks and we've settled into our new routine. Rory is doing well but is greeting all his friends with OTT enthusiasm. He seems to be really pleased to see them and wants to have a quick play on greeting. It's been hard for him but he seems to be happy adjusting and just being his usual lovely self. I think its hard for a single dog in a household Its a big job for one. I've been doing more training and playing with him. I think it was so stressful us both having such a sick little dog to care for, and having lost my long term disabled dog 18 months before, I'm only just understanding this. The momentum carried me along but it still ate my time and made me very tired. Now that stress has gone I'm starting to enjoy having one dog. It's fun but I still feel maybe one more dog in the future. I'm not happy really and finding I'm withdrawing slightly from the world. I'm not chatty or interested in stuff and have a very low tolerance to other peoples stuff. Hopefully things will improve but my chemo has failed again so I'm just waiting for approval on some more experiment drugs which are not yet cleared for normal NHS use. The case of need is in so I'm sure it will be fine. I miss the silliness I think the most, just that amusement at everything she had. It's different not good not bad, I'm still slowly finding my way through this with Rory's help. Chris is being as supportive as ever but he misses her too. We laugh about her and talk about her.
Both me and Rourke were bereaved last September when Drift had to be put to sleep, apparently Rourke howled when we were out. I think Rourke has finally settled in to being an only dog, but I feel for him, however, he does get to walk with two other dogs most days. I am very sorry to read that your chemo has failed again, hope you get onto the new chemo.
I'm sure dogs feel it like we do, they miss the reassurance and just doggie friendship I'll get the drugs you see if I don't I aim to live well and long.
Oh, Swampdonkey my thoughts are with you. I do hope you can get a more positive response on a new chemo regime. xx
Yes I saw this today, when the couple who came to meet Paul also brought along their lovely border collie. I don't see many that are as calm as the one today, she was a real poppet. She was one of two dogs until very recently, so it was lovely to see her play with Bramble and Paul, she hadn't engaged with other dogs since her pal died.
It seems to be a part of my disease, remission the partial remission then new drugs. Bit like tennis? New ball s, balls indeed luckily the rate of new drugs is matching my bone marrow craziness. I think that's what it is for Rory to that contact and connection to another dog. He's doing ok but is lonely just simply lonely. I think it will get better with time he's not withdrawn but I realise he does need more than me. I'll just wait and see. I'm glad it went well for Paul xxx
Thinking of you and lovely Rory through all this. Love and admiration sent. Joy would really like to run around with Rory, growl at him in a (not very) fierce dog way and probably bite his ears, do hope things feel better soon. Love from me and little Joy, who is starting to be just a little bit too clever for me possibly, but that's a different story entirely and now it's time for bed. Goodnight.
I'm very sorry to hear about your chemo, it's just one thing after another isn't it I really admire your attitude and resilience. Rory is just the loveliest dog, he'll have a great life whether he has a dog friend at home or not.
Cr@p about your chemo. Here's to the next new drugs. Glad Rory is coming to terms with Moo's passing - you're a matched pair of tough cookies xx
I am so sorry to read about your chemo! It must have been quite a blow! And you have to come to terms with it! I hope that the new chemo will do the trick with not so many side effects!! Glad that Rory is coping very well!! Thinking of you!!
