Hello--
I haven't posted for a while because my boyfriend and I got a new dobe puppy a month ago...and oh my, he's a handful! I had forgotten what living with and training a puppy is like since Duke had been with us for 11 years. It's weird, our new pup has so many of the same facial expressions and habits that Duke had (and obviously he's the same breed only a different color)...but let me tell ya, this puppy is WILD! Duke was such a gentle, mellow boy (even as a pup--he slept in our bed from day 1)...this guy is challenging yet a sweetheart. All the hard work and training will pay off at some point, right?
I still find myself crying over Duke daily, much of the time they are tears of joy when I see our new puppy's face...yet sometimes I feel guilty for loving again. It has been 12 weeks since Duke passed this week...and I find myself still missing him so much.
This pup is a new beginning, but not a replacement by any means.

I still miss you Duke, every day. Mommy loves you.


--Angela

((((((Angela)))))
YOur new puppy sounds wonderful. I can only imagine that the tears for your other dog mix with the joy of the new baby-dog.
I am remembering my dog's puppyhood and then his geriatric state of being. Both took so much time. I didn't mind at all though. Maybe that is why losing him is so hard. Those caretaking and attention we give these angels are woven like spun gold into our lives.

I can only believe what others here say- that time will heal. Please give your new pup a hug from me....

peace
Cathi

Hi Cathi,
I will certainly give Niko a hug from you. Puppies require so much time and patience, it has been almost the same as caring for my Duke at the end...he was no longer independent and it broke out hearts to see him decline.

I consider myself lucky to have had Duke in my life for 11 years...he brought me so much happiness and was such a character! I know this new little guy will grow into his own "person" as well. I still ask myself every day if we got a new dog too soon, but I know in my heart it is what Duke wanted us to do.

Take care,
Angela

HI Angela,
Thank you for coming back to share that you got a new puppy. How exciting, and I bet kinda scarey too. Niko sure sounds like a bundle of joy. I hope you find this was the right decision. I am only on day 4 of grieving the loss of my sweet Bogie. The pain has been excruciating and right now feels like it will never end. Our initial response to this huge void in our lives was to get another puppy. NOW! We do know that we will never replace our first and only 4 legged baby, nor would we ever want it to. He was the center of our lives. I think at least for today, we are deciding it's best for us to just give ourselves some time. It's obvious from all the stories here that this pain isn't going away anytime soon, and most likely never will completly. But it is nice to know of another who is brave enough to give it another whirl even tho you are still grieving and sad over the loss of Duke. I am SO sorry for your loss and wish you and your new puppy all the best. Your words are encouraging to me, thank you.

Bogie's Mom (Beth)

Hi Beth,
I'm so sorry for your loss...I know how hard those first few days are. Hang in there, it will get a little easier with time--even though I KNOW you feel like it won't. Bogie was lucky to have you as his mom, and I'm sure you spoiled him rotten with love. Duke was our first baby as well, and just like with Bogie, was the absolute center of our lives. After Duke passed, the weeks dragged on and the house felt so empty--we knew we had to bring another baby home to love. I bet one day you'll feel the same way.

Angela

Angela,

I got a new kitten this weekend. I'm relieved to know I'm not totally crazy because I'm crying every night also, missing my cat, feeling guilty about getting a new one.
I've been crying so much it has made me think that I did the wrong thing and it makes me want to return the kitty. But from your posting it sounds like these are totally normal feelings. And that is a relief to know.

-Tammy