I cannot have another pet after losing Shilo, my dog I got in 1996. I will not put myself through that love and loss again. My daughter has always been a two-dog person from purebreds, to rescues. She has helped other people's dogs die (a Burmese Mountain dog needed a home when the owner had Alzheimers). Another friend and her husband died in a car accident and she took in their old dog while the family recovered. She picked up a blind dog that was abandoned on the roadside and sent it to the US to get the cataracts removed so she could see again. Then, that sweet dog died of cancer two years later. For thirty years I've watched her dogs die. Too much heartbreak. On a happier note, I look forward to seeing posts about Spain and the amazing followup in France. You are cresting a wave, so ride it my dear.
Thank you so much, Mary. We each have our own capacity. Most people feel that the companionship and comfort pets offer is worth the inevitable loss. I get that. I do. I just notice that even though there are two quirky and lovely cats that live in my house, I'm not able to bond with them. It made me consider why.
So many stories about our sweet and insane dog I could share. She’s a rescue and has taught me much. When we were fostering a child, the parallels between her and my son were striking.
Losing a pet is really really hard but living with them, loving them is a beautiful thing.
I hope you have a wonderful trip in Spain. Can’t wait to see pics.
Though I’ve loved all my dogs, and love my current dog dearly, the one who remains closest to my heart is a little poorly-bred Maltese. She was short of body, had sprung ribs, a cheerful face and a captivating personality. Toula was always cheerful, though she’d subdue her exuberance if I was sad (both my mother and older sister died during Toula’s life, 6 months apart). At such times she’d lie curled on my lap, warmly comforting in her stillness. After what she deemed the right amount of time, she’d put her paws on my chest, reach her face up to mop and kiss my tears away. The she’d jump down to find a toy for me to toss, if gently teasing me out of my chair.
One Christmas I had a group from work meeting at my house. As we all sat in a circle, Toula sat in the middle, scooching around so she could look at each speaker. Sometimes she wagged her tail a little but mostly she listened, head cocked, ears perked, doggy-smile on her face to welcome each person’s words. She died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 8. It was a horrible loss. It took several years for me to get another dog, but eventually I decided the love and lessons received and given were worth the risk of knowing I would almost surely out live my next dog, and the next. . . My current dog is a sweet love, will be very hard to lose her, hopefully far in the future. And I wish you well in Spain and beyond!
I cannot have another pet after losing Shilo, my dog I got in 1996. I will not put myself through that love and loss again. My daughter has always been a two-dog person from purebreds, to rescues. She has helped other people's dogs die (a Burmese Mountain dog needed a home when the owner had Alzheimers). Another friend and her husband died in a car accident and she took in their old dog while the family recovered. She picked up a blind dog that was abandoned on the roadside and sent it to the US to get the cataracts removed so she could see again. Then, that sweet dog died of cancer two years later. For thirty years I've watched her dogs die. Too much heartbreak. On a happier note, I look forward to seeing posts about Spain and the amazing followup in France. You are cresting a wave, so ride it my dear.
Thank you so much, Mary. We each have our own capacity. Most people feel that the companionship and comfort pets offer is worth the inevitable loss. I get that. I do. I just notice that even though there are two quirky and lovely cats that live in my house, I'm not able to bond with them. It made me consider why.
Susan,
So many stories about our sweet and insane dog I could share. She’s a rescue and has taught me much. When we were fostering a child, the parallels between her and my son were striking.
Losing a pet is really really hard but living with them, loving them is a beautiful thing.
I hope you have a wonderful trip in Spain. Can’t wait to see pics.
Though I’ve loved all my dogs, and love my current dog dearly, the one who remains closest to my heart is a little poorly-bred Maltese. She was short of body, had sprung ribs, a cheerful face and a captivating personality. Toula was always cheerful, though she’d subdue her exuberance if I was sad (both my mother and older sister died during Toula’s life, 6 months apart). At such times she’d lie curled on my lap, warmly comforting in her stillness. After what she deemed the right amount of time, she’d put her paws on my chest, reach her face up to mop and kiss my tears away. The she’d jump down to find a toy for me to toss, if gently teasing me out of my chair.
One Christmas I had a group from work meeting at my house. As we all sat in a circle, Toula sat in the middle, scooching around so she could look at each speaker. Sometimes she wagged her tail a little but mostly she listened, head cocked, ears perked, doggy-smile on her face to welcome each person’s words. She died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 8. It was a horrible loss. It took several years for me to get another dog, but eventually I decided the love and lessons received and given were worth the risk of knowing I would almost surely out live my next dog, and the next. . . My current dog is a sweet love, will be very hard to lose her, hopefully far in the future. And I wish you well in Spain and beyond!
I love Toula! She seems to have been a genuine friend. Thank you so much for sharing these lovely snapshots of your lives together.