Feeling Stronger, looking at petfinder Options

[megsmom]

Hi everyone - I hope you are all doing better. My grief is still coming in waves, but further apart. My husband and I have talked and we've decided to meet a little Boston terrier that we found on petfinder.org. I know it has only been a few days since we lost Meg, but waiting to get another dog isn't going to bring her back. There are so many lost souls that need rescuing out there, I feel bad waiting just to honor what people consider "enough time." Forty dogs couldn't replace my sweet Meggo. So I contacted rescue and they are very excited for us to meet the little guy. He has been difficult to place due to some potty training issues, but he is learning and we are willing to work with him.
My husband and I put together a little memory box of Meg with her picture on the front. It sits in the center of our giant Ikea cube bookshelf, in a place of honor. I plan on buying one of those antique Boston terrier doorstops to wear her collar.
Looking at new dogs has been very therapeutic for me. I have done a lot of soul searching, and I think Meg would want us to be happy and give another dog a new chance at life like we did for her.
Thank you Daisy's Mommy for your kind words and insight.
So I'm feeling better (although something could make me break down at any second), but I'm ready to get on with life.
I hope everyone else is finidng strength.

[SHO713]

I admire your ability to do this. I wish so much that I was ready. It was 5 weeks ago this past Monday that I had to have my sweet Abbie put down (almost 18 yr. told part Himalayan cat) that was the "love of my life." I had looked at Petfinder.com a couple of weeks ago and seen a younger cat that I felt drawn to, but did not act on it. I am so darn scared of bonding with another kitty. Abbie was truly my little baby and the loss of her is still killing me. I miss her every day and KNOW a new kitty that needs a home would probably end up helping me, but I'm stuck in the grief and just can't do it yet. I think your moving on is a good thing and hope it works out...I know there is no going back and Abbie is gone to me forever, but I still just can't get another fur-baby to replace her. Part of it is I have a 14 year old dog and don't want to subject him to a new kitty nor a new kitty to him since he's kind of a "grump." Not sure it would be fair to either of them! I was always a dog person, since a young child, but became a cat person about 20 years ago...they are SO different from dogs, yet endearing in their own ways.
So, I say if you are ready...go for it! I'm hoping I come to that point soon as I do think it would help me not miss Abbie quite so much. There are SO many little ones out there that need us, so if you have the capacity in your heart to love another, I think it is a blessing.

Good Luck,
Susan

[Birdiemom]

Rescuing another lost soul can be very theraputic. I adopted a dog 3 days before Misty's passing. I knew she was going... and I think knowing that there was another dog to take care of me helped her to let go. I was babysitting a friends dog for a few days after I found out Misty had days maybe a few weeks to live and while DJ was around Misty would let DJ follow me everywhere, if I was sitting DJ would let Misty cuddle giving us space. Misty always had that place of honour, but knowing that DJ would make sure I wasn't alone or lonely I think eased her mind. When DJ went home, she was right back to following me everywhere... So I adopted Prince, He too gave her her space and wouldn't get up on the couch, he stayed on the floor, yet again if I got up he follwed me everywhere, leaving her to relax on the couch.

When she finally went he was happy to lick away tears and offer a furry shoulder. Prince could never replace Misty, even her sister Bernie, who reminds me a great deal of her, does not replace her. They do get you out of the house, off the couch and back into life, rather than being depressed. I miss Misty and I still cry about her, but I think of the good times and the good times to come with these two. I know their time will come as well, and there will always be another dog needing my love. I find loving another critter in need a good way to heal that wound on my heart, at least for me, and I don't think Misty would want it any other way.

[Daisy's Mommy]

My Daisy was also difficult to place because of potty training difficulties as well as a congenital liver defect. ("Wee wee" pads and a lot of patience helped)

We had 12 wonderful years together - despite some rug and floor cleaning. I hope the rescue's new little guy works out for you. Please keep us posted.


Daisy's Mommy