Conflicting Emotions Options

[My heart Cooper]

We brought home our new puppy yesterday. Her name is Dori and we are absolutely in love with her. It's so strange to me because I'm very happy with her, yet I miss Cooper so much. It's kind of like I'm starting to feel normal again but that makes me sad because I don't want my "normal" to be without Coop. I keep thinking about all the things he's missing out on. I'm so grateful for Dori. She really has brought joy back into our home. And she seems to love our other dog Rudy. I think they'll be great friends. But it's so bittersweet.

[Brutus]

I'm glad you are enjoying Dori and I know exactly what you mean about being conflicted although my story is alittle different. We got our third dog, a rescue Rat Terrier about 6 months before Brutus passed away. Brutus was 12 (my soul dog), Radar was 9 (hubby's soul dog) when we got Tanga (Tanga was 1 at the time). We got Tanga in anticipation of Brutus being gone, we did not want Radar to be alone. Brutus hated Tanga with a passion so I did not bond with Tanga until long after Brutus was gone, which I feel guilty about for Tanga, but I just couldn't, I felt like I was "cheating" on Brutus. At times I still feel that way, but Brutus will always be #1. Tanga has been a godsend for us...and for Radar....he stayed in the backround while Brutus was here, but really blossomed afterward. My husband did not want Tanga at the time we got him, but he always says now how glad he is we got him. Tanga is now "my" dog and follows me everywhere. I don't know how I would handle Brutus being gone if I didn't have him. I love all my dogs with all my heart, but Brutus will always be "special".

It's ok to love again...it really is...it feels good doesn't it? You deserve it (as does Dori) and Cooper wants you to be happy...that is really all he cares about.

Hugs,
Sonya