Hi Everyone:
Call me crazy/nuts, I don't know.
Last night I was actually looking in the computer at "no-kill" shelters, and looking at pictures of all kinds of "furbabies" that are looking for a home and to be loved.
Of course, before this, Ben & I were talking and (we were both "coherant"; ?spelling).
We, like everyone in here: Love all animals, have had much loved "fur-babies" all of our lives. We've loved, we've lost, but, Oh, how much fuller our hearts are for having loved our babies that have gone over the bridge to forever.

I was Ernestine's mom since she was six weeks old, in 1984; we had to put her and sick & hurting little body, to sleep on Saturday, February 7, 2004 at noon. My heart has tripled in size because of my girl... She loved me no matter what. And, I & Ben, always loved her & we always will. She takes up a huge part of our hearts.

I'm probably going to start rambling, and not sure if this will make sense TO ANYONE.......... Here goes....

I put in an e-mail application at this "no-kill" shelter, and I got an e-mail message, plus a phone call. They needed me to call my vet so they could "get a reference on us". That's fine, and very understandable.
I heard the call as I was waking up, and thought to myself, "Hmmm, what did I do????"
And then I started "name calling" myself in my head...... "You must be a non-caring, heartless, expletive(s), human being...." Of course, last night as Ben & I were talking, I felt happy & calm..
I said, "No disrespect at all to our beloved baby-girl ErnieBird, but, she made my heart so big..... I would really love to adopt a couple (so they can be playmates; I should've done that for my girl at when she was 6 weeks old), of babies, I feel good about it" And, again, "sincerely, there is "NO DISRESPECT" to my little girl Ernestine, at all"...

For, my little girl "lives in my heart", she is with me... She knows that we did all we could (medically) for her and she was so sick. I have every comfort in knowing that she is happy, healthy & running around playing... She's young again, and has no pain....

When I was looking through these shelters, dear God, there are sooooooooo many little ones looking for a home, looking to be loved.... It is very sad to see them all.
The "four" I looked at (two different shelters); Two sisters, "Margo & Rita", and the others were brother & sister (Pebbles & BamBam).

I am not a heartless human being, and neither is Ben.... Did "something" just "come over us" for our 2 hour talk last night, or, was it something else???

We "do not feel the need to have a couple of fur-babies", because really, don't our little ones OWN US????
But, we have a lot of love to give - our hearts are big.... Animal friends are the best; so trusting, non-judgemental, happy just to be petted & feel a little love in their hearts... They love their human family; after all, what's better than a full tummy, to be petted & brushed & to feel a kiss on the top of their head....etc., etc., etc....

We're not bad people at all, so I hope all of you won't think the things I said to myself in my head when that call came in......
We will always, always & forever love our girl Ernestine.... For, she really does live in our hearts and in our heads..
What do you think??? Have I gone crazy, or, is this "normal" for us??

Thank you so much for listening.....
Love, Denise & Ben

Muffins,

After my Snoops passed away I was completely devastated. Coming home every day to an empty house was horrible. I ended up getting two new pups about a week after he passed away. I do not look at it as an insult to my Snoops memory as the two new pups in no way replace him either in my life or in my heart. I look at is a testament to the love he and I shared that I wanted so much to have a new relationship so quickly. He taught me so much about myself and life that to me it would have been an insult to his memory to not use that information for anothers benefit.

You should not feel bad about wanting another little furbaby in your life ... it is actually an affirmation of your love with Ernestine that you are willing to risk the pain again. I think it is a beautiful thing to want to share that part of yourself with another furbaby and Ernestine would probably be all for it. My Snoops hated it very much when I was upset and I'm sure your Ernestine was the same way ... therefore she would not want you to be miserable and unhappy.

I am sorry for your loss ... you need to do whatever you in heart feel is right. Noone here is going to judge you or the relationship you had. How you choose to mourn or memorialize your relationship is an intensely personnel thing ... there is no right or wrong.

Good luck and have fun with the new little ones ... they don't replace Ernestine but they do help fill up the emptiness in the house.

Hugs,
Beth

Dear Beth:
Thank you very much for responding to my post. I am very sorry for the loss of your baby Snoops, and, I am very happy to hear that you got 2 pups soon after.
Each of your new pups, with their own personalities, likes & dislikes, different moods, etc., etc....
Ernestine mostly had a very lovely disposition. But, there were times when her "big cat" personality came out & she'd really scratch me...She probably just didn't want to be bothered...I get like that too. She definitely was not a "lap-cat", but that was just fine..; I would've loved that, but, she was her own person (fur-baby).
It was very wise of you to say that it is a testament to the love that you & your Snoops will always have.
With regards to your comment about my being willing to risk pain again -- God made us with hearts, feelings, etc., and yes, I (and Ben) are willing to "risk pain again".....But, think of all the joy & happiness we will receive, and, MORE IMPORTANT, the love that we will be able to give.
It REALLY IS (as you said), "an affirmation of our love for our beautiful girl"....
I want to "celebrate Ernestine's life" because she deserves that.
You are so correct in saying that she was upset when I was; I felt so much more comfort from my Ernestine than (really), most humans... Our "fur-babies" JUST KNOW when we hurt.
No other "fur-baby" could EVER take my Ernestine's place. When we do decide to adopt 2 fur-babies, (and, I honestly believe it will be much sooner than later), they will be different. Ernesting was unique.., (not to be copied), like all of our "new fur-babies" are.
Right after our little one was put to sleep, I said, "I don't ever want another one...
I couldn't take the pain...."
But, the old adage is true, "It is better to love & have lost, rather than not having loved at all."
The beautiful bouquet of flowers that my brother, sis-in-law & kids sent us are blooming, the lovely scent fills our living room... I know Ernestine would have loved them.. I will take pictures of this lovely bouquet, because, I look at them as "Ernestine's bouquet"..
I spoke to Emily (the vet tech at my vet's office), and we talked about my feelings.
You're right Beth, as Emily said too, "there is no right/wrong". Everyone is very different.
I still feel the loss of my girl and I know I always will; but, as I've read on this forum, it does get better as time goes on...
Ernie's "is in our hearts" & she will always remain there. We all give our "fur-babies" the best lives that we can. I've said it before, but my little girl just needed a little help to go over the bridge. I had hoped (really hoped!!) that the Good Lord would take her, so "we wouldn't have to do it", but, we had to.
*I just heard a noise in the closet, and it sounded like our girl going in or going out of the closet...that was nice...*
Thank you again Beth for your very nice letter to me.
I appreciate everything that all the people in here have written themselves, answering posts of others and writing to me. It is so helpful and, I am very, very grateful!!!
Beth, I noticed that your member# was 86.....I'm like #226. Do you come back to read, to remember.... To write to others to comfort?? I believe that I will be here for quite sometime...
I am very happy LS exists.... I told Emily at my veterinarian's office about this site.

God Bless! Love, Denise & Ben

Are you trying to convince us that your home needs a new fur baby or yourself?

I have gone from “ill never have another pet” to “if God leads me to one that desperately needs a new home then of course I wouldn’t say no”

You’ll know when the times right and i'll bet Ernestine will help you pick which one.

Love Sue

Hi Sue:
Thank you for your reply.
Ben & I have always had "fur-babies" all of our lives... It's just "what is" and "what has been". I am allergic to dogs & skin tests "show" that I'm allergic to cats as well, but, since they were in our home way back when I was born, I built up a tolerance.
(Thank you God!!!)
I know that "Our Girl" will help us choose the 2 "fur-babies" that we would love to eventually, (sooner than later), adopt. Thank you for saying that, Sue.

Take Great Care & we'll "talk" soon.

Love, Denise

P.S. Thanks to everyone who has read my letters (novels), and did comfort me--
You all have... I will always come here, for I shall need "help" for quite
awhile...... I cannot say enough about this wonderful site.... I never knew
a great place like this exists..... Thank you again!!!!!!!

Hi Denise,

I know how you feel about the mixed emotions of getting a new furbaby. I thought that there was no way I would get another dog. I even posted that here. It's been a little over a month since I lost Megan and even though I still have Molly, I find myself constantly scanning the dog ads and SPCA website in search of a dog. The timing is not right for me, I live in Canada and we have several feet of snow and it's been cold so it's not ideal puppy time. And I have to admit that I am afraid to get another dog. I got Meg from a "backyard breeder" and had nothing but problems with her health. She did have an incredible personality which made her health issues tolerable. But she was not quite 6 when she died (her birthday is Valetines Day) and I'm pissed that I've been robbed of another 6 years with her. So I'm now reluctant to get a dog from a shelter or another backyard breeder. And to get a papered dog is more than I can afford. So in the mean time I'm loving Molly, and keeping my eyes open for a dog.

Thanks for taking a look at Megan. She was beautiful and was really an amazing dog. I had the dogs before my people babies and she was absolutely amazing with them. When they would cry she would run to the crib and check them and then come to find me. They both learned how to stand by grabbing some fur and pulling up. When they were crawling Meg would let them use her as a slide. She never raised an eyebrow or a growl at them. She loved them and they were truly best friends.

It finally hit my little one last night that Megan was gone. She cried for her and kept sobbing that she missed Meggie. It broke my heart. Molly tolerates the girls but she just does not love them like Meg did. I really hope that I find another dog like Meg for them. I know there'll never be another Megan and that I'll never replace her, but it sure would be nice for my girls to have another dog like her.

Tracey

I know its not an easy decision to make getting a new pet, I also know that the love of the people on this site - a pet could not find a better home.

Love Sue

Tracey,

Just a thought here that you might be interested in. Getting a "papered" dog is no guarantee. My two pups came from a very respected breeder (they are Westies) and they have "papers". However, we have recently discovered that my little Basil was born with a genetic problem that needed to be corrected by surgery. We just had the surgery done on Monday and he is recovering but it will be at least 6 months before he is back to himself. The breeder however has been wonderful and apologetic ... she is returning to us the money we paid (she offered I didn't ask). This is the first time she has run across his problem and is taking steps to insure that it doesn't happen again. Anyhow, my point here is that pedigree doesn't guarantee anything ... my snoops came from a backyard breeder and he had no health issues until his later years (he lived 16.5 years). I think just like human babies anything can happen no matter how much you try to keep it from happening.

A shelter dog or even a rescue is a wonderful thing. If you are not comfortable with shelters then you can contact a rescue group (most pedigreed dogs have a rescue) and they can help you. Unfortunately, I learned about rescues after I got my current two or I probably would have gone that way. If you want more information please feel free to contact me ...

Denise,

Yes I do read the board quite frequently ... I don't always post because I still get very upset thinking about my baby. But, every post on here touches my heart and I do honestly feel a deep sadness whenever someone loses a fur-baby. I have found a lot of comfort here and hope that someday I can post about my experiences with Snoops. He was a wonderful little man and remains an integral part of my life. He was the best part of my life and I miss him terribly. But it is true what you have read here. I lost my Snoops in September and not a day goes by that I do not think about him and wish he were here. The biggest change I have noticed is that when I first got my two (Rosie & Basil) I would have traded them for Snoops in a heartbeat ... now I want them all ... I would not trade one for the other under any cir%%stances as each has now become a part of me and I them. The pain does diminish somewhat and the days do get easier. I even laugh now when I think about some of the things Snoops used to do and I do find myself watching to see if my new little ones have any of his traits ... but at the same time I am grateful for the differences.

I hope someday that both you and Tracey will have new little fur-baby in your life. Not to replace your loved ones but because it sounds as if you each have so much love to give these little ones and it would be such a shame not to be able to share it. With that said, you need to be emotionally ready to do that ... what is important right now is mourn your lost one in the way that is best for you. Don't try and hide it because believe me it will come out when you least expect it. I wish all brighter days ahead ... and hope the someday you can enjoy the memories again (and yes that will come).

Hugs to you all,
Beth

Hi everyone,

Sue, I really like the moon story, I think I'll give it a try. I let my dogs outside when they wre puppies but just in our yard. Right now we have so much snow that Molly has a hard time getting around in it. Winter in central Alberta, Canada just is not good puppy weather. I know there is no guarentee about a dogs health, I think I'm just a little gun shy right now. I've looked at rescue programs, shelters, ads, and breeders. I would like to get a rescue but I have several strikes against me, 1) I work full time and 2) I have kids. I don't really get the kid thing as goldens are known for being family dogs. I know I will get another dog, I love them too much not to have one but I just want to be sure and careful about the timing. I also need to convince Jeff to get another, he was tired of the vet bills and most of all the dog hair in the house. Even though I vacuum everyday, it's still everywhere!!! No fleece jackets in my house Have a good weekend everyone.
Tracey

I really cannot believe a place like this exists..... I really am overwhelmed by the understanding, caring, acceptance & "true love feeling" of everyone on this site. Being able to read all the posts have been SO VERY instrumental in the healing process of my heart; whether it has been a post to me, to someone else, or someone is writing in because their poor heart is breaking, or an old post of another "forum family-member".
Honestly, everyone here is so wonderful, I guess I just can't believe it!! :-)
I spoke with Leesa from the shelter about "Pebbles & Bam-Bam". They are brother & sister "fur-baby kitty cats". Leesa and another volunteer rescued them when they were about 7 weeks old. Their "home" was a "broken down abandoned dump truck".....
They were quickly adopted when they were kittens. Their "human family" is moving and they can't take all of their pets, so Pebbles & Bam-Bam are at a "no-kill" shelter. They're approximately 5 years old.
Last night, Ben & I went out to dinner. We had to pick up a few groceries on the way home, and quickly filled our basket....when, we came to the "pet food aisle"....
We both looked at each other & pretty much spoke at the same time..."Wow, it's strange not picking out 10 cans for Ernie" & "First time without cat food". Really, it was such a foreign feeling.
It will be "ONE WEEK" tomorrow, since we had to put our Ernestine to sleep. I really cannot believe that so much time has passed!!!!! I also CANNOT BELIEVE that I am smiling and laughing a heck of a lot more than I ever thought I would; ever again!!!
I REALLY BELIEVE THAT OUR "ERNIE-BIRD" IS HELPING ME FROM THE OTHER SIDE -^.^-
I truly know that God has been easing my sadness & filling up my head with funny thoughts of my girl.... Of course, Ben has always been so wonderful to me, and this past week, he has listened to all of my constant talking.. We both have a big hole in our hearts, for we do miss our girl.
We are awaiting Leesa's call (the volunteer from the shelter), as she was at work today and couldn't really talk. She shared with me that she has an 18 year old "fur-baby" and told me that she's worried about her baby...
So, I really feel that, "Life does go on....."
Thank you for listening everyone, and "thank you all for opening up your hearts".
Our world would be such a wonderful place if people were as nice as everyone here is....
After all, "we're all in this together"..
Love, Peace, Health & Happiness, Denise & Ben

Hi!

I found an old thread of mine, and wanted to bring it back.........

For no reason, other than "if you're looking for a new furkid 'soon after' the passing of your beloved furbabies...."

It was interesting to see "where my head was 6 days after our sweet Ernestine was put to sleep"......
I was still "very much in a rambling faze"......

Ben and I...............No, we didn't adopt "Margo and Rita" or "Pebbles and BamBam"..........

I really think that the last post I wrote on this thread was 2/12/2004.........and, "something happened", and we both found that we really weren't ready.......I know that Ben and I "wanted to take a small, 5 day vacation first - because we have a very hard time leaving our kids in ANYONE'S CARE................."

But, as well, we "weren't as ready as we thought we were, to adopt..........."

But, on 3/6/2004, we did adopt two sweet kitties.............
Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster.......... (age 7 & 8, respectively)
They had been terribly abused by some "_______________"....
It has taken them awhile to trust us..........but, thankfully, now..........they do!!!!

I guess this post/thread goes to show that there isn't any "perfect/right time to adopt your next furbaby", if, in fact,
that's what you want to do..................
For us, it was "one month"............

And, by some people's thoughts, that's way too quick........

But, for us...........it was perfect.............

We're a happy family now..........Complete & Full...........
Not sure if we'll ever get to "take that vacation...........unless of course we find a "cat-friendly hotel"....

They do have "dog friendly hotels!!!!!"

And, we shall always & forever remember our sweet Ernestine................

(I know that she led me to Ms. Lucy --- that's for sure...........)
Both Ernie-Bird and Ms. Lucy -- they're DSH tortoiseshell calicos.....

Just want to show that "there's a right time for all of us...................." to adopt a new, sweet, baby (or babies....)
If we want to...........

Love, Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster

Dear Denise,

Thanks for bringing this back because I am going through something I can't discribe well in words. My heart is sooooo empty I miss my little boy so much and I want a new campanion to love. My husband isn't ready yet and I don't know how much longer I can wait. I want my husband and I to make to discission together so I am trying to be supportive.

It will be two months this Saturday that Stymy has passed and the emptyness is overwhelming at times but there is a small part of me that feels I need time to greive too. So I can understand how you felt back than.

I would love to have two dogs also but the expense of a vet bills is a little much. Maybe when I make more money. However I know my last dog loved being the only one. He truly was KING and he knew it. Before I got him he lived in a kennel with other dogs and loved the attention my husband and I gave him when he came to live with us.

I hope I have the strength to make the right discission when the time comes.

Regards,
Vicki (Stymy's Mom)

Hi Vicki:

Two months this Saturday since your beloved Stymy went to Rainbow's Bridge.....
As hard as "anniversaries" are, please remember that your sweet Stymy is at Rainbow's Bridge.....and, his body is completely well -------- he has no more pain......
There's no more suffering...........Just lots of fun -- Stymy's now running free among the meadows & fields, he's playing with all of our furkids.......Stymy's smelling the flowers, and catching butterflies on his nose.......

It is sooooooooooooooo difficult, I know......To love someone SOOOO MUCH, and then have them be gone.....

Always, always remember that when the time comes that you and your husband adopt a new furkid (or, when they adopt you)...............that, you are not in any way, shape of form, replacing your sweeet Stymy....

IT JUST CANNNOT BE DONE..........STYMY WAS AND ALWAYS WILL BE A UNIQUE, VERY SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER...
And, he will never be replaced...........

Definitely give yourselves the time that you both need to feel okay about adopting again........ You WILL know when that time is right.......

I know that some people, after having adopted a pet or two............"felt" that perhaps they adopted too early........
But, when they would cry about their furbaby that passed on..........they had a new "furkid" licking away their tears.........
So, love was able to grow from that connection.......

Our babies........they are sooooooooo smart!!! They just know when we're sad.... And, they are always there to "lend a paw", and make it all better for us...

I think, that, for Ben and I............even though I was looking at the pet sites (adoption/rescue centers), I was getting so overwhelmed............and, sort of.....making myself "a bit crazy".......
I found that I needed to "take a break from looking at adoption centers"; and, I did.....

So..........we waited "some time", which ended up being like, 3 weeks..........and the day came when "we felt the time was right".......

I know how your heart feels Vicki...........It just shows how very, very much you loved (and always will), your sweet Stymy --- He will always be a part of you...
Don't ever lose sight of that.....

When the time is right............for both you and your husband, I have no doubt that you both will be the most wonderful parent's for a new furdog...........
You both have HUGE HEARTS.................. And, I was always told (by members on this site), that
"adopting again is an affirmation and THE BEST TRIBUTE of showing how much you loved your Stymy...........
To open up your hearts again, to love............and be loved.....

As well, I understand about the vet bills.............We never had two kitties before.........but, we do now....
Ms. Lucy was first diagnosed with asthma, and now diabetes..........
But, she's our sweet girl...........
I thank God that we are able to care for her......

God Bless you Vicki & your husband........... One day, you'll both decide the time is right..... And, when you do....
Stymy will be looking down from Rainbow's Bridge, helping you choose, and he'll be saying, "That's my mom and dad....
You've got the best!!!!!!!!"

Love,
Denise, Ben, Ms. Lucy and Mr. Yoster

Hi Denise, Ben and family,
To continue your thread, after losing Miss Mew on October 1st, I must admit that it was a consolation to return home to 3 cats, Emma, Zoe, Knockknees (don't ask) and 1 dog Mik. When we we first moved to Grand Lake 15 years ago, we had 3 cats, Miss Mew, Sidney and Tattyhead (again don't ask) Ok my husband is British and when he names the cats -can you tell which ones?- he does so along the lines of the formula used in the movie "Dances With Wolves" When Roger would call for Tatty, it would come out sounding like "tattyade" Poor Tatty, he was a mess when he found us. We lived in the suburbs then and this poor black beast had been a stray for a long time. He had a "diamond eye" (cloudy and bulging) pieces of one ear missing ect. I left food out for him constantly but could not get close to him. Then one bitterly cold February night he appeared at out patio door with icicles hanging off his coat.When I opened the door he came in ! As he slunk across the living room to lie on a hot air register I said to my stepson David, I fear that this poor cat has come here to die. But the next morning he was very much still alive, so armed with a pair of oven mitts and with David's help, I got him into a carrier and to the vet's. I asked that he be innoculated, neutered and bathed, boy did he stink! When I went to pick him up they had done everything but clean him. I was upset because I thought that washing him would be easier on him while he was woozy from the anasthetic. They apologized and asked me to return later after they had bathed him. Little did I know that they would use a kind of injection that would paralyse him but leave him conscious as he was just about feral. I will never forget the sheer look of terror in his eyes when I returned to pick him up. The technicians were handling him with thick leather gloves and the vet told me- "this cat is between 6 and 10 years of age and by the way I don't think he will make much of a pet." To which I replied " after what I imagine this cat has been through, I will take him on his terms".
When I got him home that evening I installed him in the guest bedroom as he was still feeling the effects of that blasted injection and I did not want the other 2 cats worrying him. When I checked on him a couple of hours later he was lying peacefully on the bed. I reached out gently to pet him and could not beleive what I heard. A definite Purr!! I then kissed him on the forehead and thus began a beautiful friendship.
After we moved to Grand Lake, Roger said " peace and quiet and no more stray cats..." Well about a month later Rocky appeared on our wood pile. Skinny, matted, full of burrs... It took me about 3 days to get close to him and a pair of manicure scissors to cut all the burrs out. Here we were with 4 cats so why not a dog? We live at the end of a dirt road, no full time neighbors, no traffic, nirvana for us and the animals.
I wish that I had known of this site a few years ago. Tatty was the first to leave us, he slowly went blind in his other eye, but he was still a joy. We didn't rearrange our furniture and he still went outside under our supervision. Old age caught up to him and we had the vet come here to euthanize him as I felt that he had been traumatized enough during his life. Sidney (we got him as a kitten from the Humane Society- a beautiful Maine Coone) suc%%bed to kidney failure, we treated him for 3 years for diabetes, and poor Rocky had to be euthanized when they found a malignant tumour attacking intestines, liver ect during exploratory surgery. In the midst of all the grieving we opened our hearts to Emma, Zoe and Knockknees, all adopted from the Humane Society. And now on October 1st we lost the matriarch, Miss Mew at the age of 21. We still have Mik, our 14 year old Shepherd and the 3 cats. During the last year although "The Mew" was not ill she developed some particular habits, she needed "watering" often. Not for her to drink out of a bowl, we had to follow her to the bathroom, turn the bathtub faucet on so that she could enjoy a very cold drink of water. Sounds endearing until you have to do it twice at least in the middle of the night. Roger had a solution, leave a fresh glass of cold water on his night-table every night! Well Miss Mew appreciated that, she would walk over his head in the middle of the night, put a paw in the water shake it all over his head, then drink!
A few months ago, feeling a little bit sleep deprived, Roger said when Miss Mew passes I think that 3 cats is enough and I agreed. Last night he said something to the effect of " when that 4th cat comes into our lives..." and I was stunned.
And the moral of this long winded tale? Although we may feel conflicted and disrespectful at the prospect of letting a new furbaby into our lives, we should not. If we have the time, the love and the finances then we should open our hearts again and again. I can't save every creature on this planet that deserves to be saved but I am working on it, 1 cat and 1 dog at a time. And you know what? As much as each of their passing has hurt, I look forward to the day that we will all be reunited and until then we will shower as much love as we can on as many as we can .
Nicole

P.S. last winter we saw a feral cat on and off. During the last week, I have seen him more often. Last night I saw him on our deck and he seemed to be saying "TAKE ME, TAKE ME, YOU ARE DOWN ONE CAT!" I haven't told Roger but I am leaving food out for him . He is a black, long haired with a white mouth and chin giving him a perpetual "surprised" expression. Please forward some suggestions for appropriate names as I fear what Roger might name him should he come into our lives.

Thanks for bringing this thread back!!! Today has been 5 weeks since losing Dieter and just last night I was combing the adoption sites looking at small dogs

Nicole, I love your story. Brought a huge smile to my face and the naming of the cats a big laugh!! Keep us posted on the new guy on the deck!
Libby

I had gotton a little bichon frise named Rosie the day my husband picked up Maxie's ashes. I think I didn't want to deal with it all. Anyway......Rosie is a sweet sweet very lively puppy. I don't think I was ready for a "puppy". I guess still being down about Max, I really was looking for something to hold and cuddle and a puppy is not one to cuddle! She wanted to play and play. So in my experience, I think I am ready to give love to another dog but I think a more mellow one that is more the temperment that my Max was.
Rosie now lives with her littermate at my friends house. She is so very happy. She runs and plays and has a big back yard and my friend doesn't work all day. Her name is Katie now and I still go to visit her. So, I'm not sure if I wasn't ready for another dog, or if it was just the time and energy it takes for a puppy that I wasn't ready for. Also, a week after I got her, my husband went into the hospital for a week and I was very stressed out about going to the hospital and worrying about him and taking care of Katie. When I got Katie, my friend got her sister and told me that if it didn't work out, she would take Katie also. I was very undecided and unsure but I gave it a try because I knew she would be well taken care of if it didn't work out. I think I had too many doubts at the time and I never would have taken her if I had to give her to a stranger. I think in my heart, I knew it wasn't the right time, but I was so searching for something to help my broken heart.
This is my own personal experience and everyone is different. I would try again maybe in the spring with an older dog. My husband so wants another pal to sit on his lap and watch tv at night. I know in your heart you will make the right decision.

LOL LOL, Miss Mew the black kitty!! I feel confident you will come up with a wonderful name!! great essay. Loved every word--like Libby, I smiled throughout. You're a neat person.

Maxiesmom--I agree with you an older pet might be the way to go--gosh we forget what the young young ones are like! I have a feeling that my cat that I adopted from the shelter had belonged to an older person who died--why else would such a fabulous older lovable and sociable pet wind up there! My only concern was that he would not be with me long but that was over 7 years ago now and he is still doing well. I am in the camp that thinks the older ones deserve the 2nd chance too. My significant other thinks a youngster might be better because you can train them "yourself"--but wow--if you work and can't spend tons of time with them during the day---geeezzzz!! Maxiesmom if you would just switch over to kitties you could just "wait" for one to show up like Miss Mew has! lol!!!