Bobby :( Time to say goodbye. Memorial frame photo added

[cassiesmom]

Too soon?

I've applied to adopt a dog.

I've almost idly looked though many, many, rescue websites over the last week and have seen hundreds of dogs I would love to home but only one that 'ticks all the boxes'.

It's fine to think if he's been taken there will be others, there is plenty of time, and that is most probably true and I would wait except ... time, I'm all too aware of it ticking away, slowly through the afternoon and evenings, so tired but sleep not refreshing, sunny, walking days wasted. Lonely.

This boy and I can share our days, learning from each other, having fun. Lonely no more.

The adoption procedure is exacting and thorough, as it should be, and I may not pass muster. I'll let you know.

Please try not to think ill of me.

"Lonely no more" -- strikes the nail right on the head! Fingers and paws crossed that either this will work out, or you will meet another dog you would love to give a home to!

[Edwina's Secretary]

My mother, who is in her 80's, lost her dog earlier this year. She could not bear to think of life without a dog to take care of. I was worried she might not qualifiy for adoption. Not only was she able to adopt - she was given a special "senior" discount. Both she and the dog are considered senior. The dog, a cocker spaniel, is also blind -- or nearly so.

My parents moved into assisted living last month. It had to be a place that would accomodate Cody.

My mother is so happy - I hear about something cute every Sunday when I call, the dog is happy and my dad - well...I think he is happy too.

[ChrisH]

Heartfelt thanks guys for the understanding and support. {{hugs}}

My son and eldest granddaughter understand but my youngest granddaughter, the one I've been closest to, doesn't, which is somewhat upsetting and a little puzzling. For even though she grew up with Bob around and spent more time in his company then the other members of my family, she was never close to him, she never bothered with him at all, so it is not sentiment. But high-ho, maybe one day..

No dog could ever take the place of my Bobs, there was none like him, nor could there ever be. The one who may become my companion is radically different to Bob, deliberately so. If I pass the home check and then can go bring home I will then introduce him to you all in his own thread.

{{hugs}}

[Bonny]

Heartfelt thanks guys for the understanding and support. {{hugs}}

My son and eldest granddaughter understand but my youngest granddaughter, the one I've been closest to, doesn't, which is somewhat upsetting and a little puzzling. For even though she grew up with Bob around and spent more time in his company then the other members of my family, she was never close to him, she never bothered with him at all, so it is not sentiment. But high-ho, maybe one day..

No dog could ever take the place of my Bobs, there was none like him, nor could there ever be. The one who may become my companion is radically different to Bob, deliberately so. If I pass the home check and then can go bring home I will then introduce him to you all in his own thread.

{{hugs}}

The youngest granddaughter probably doesn't maybe understand death? We had a kitten die this fall that was our grandsons. He kept talking about the kitten & I said it had gone over the rainbow bridge to heaven where all animals go & won't be coming back. He said to me can't we at least talk about Little Bear even though he is gone. So he still brings up Little Bear & we talk about him. So deep down inside maybe she is hurting & doesn't know how to deal with it?

I hope you find another dog or another dog finds you.

[SadButGrateful]

Many years ago I had a pure black and totally beautiful cat. He looked like a miniature panther (his name was Stevie) and I dearly loved him but couldn't keep him because my living situation abruptly changed. So I took him to a Cat Protection Society and they adopted him out after only two weeks. He was two years old. I thought of him often and quite honestly, I felt like I failed him. A few years after that I was in a situation to have a cat and that's when Rusty and I found each other. (He passed away Christmas Eve after 13 years). He was just a kitten and I was very happy with him, but I found myself divided, like I couldn't give him my whole heart because a piece of it still belonged elsewhere and I kept thinking about the other cat. But one morning I looked at Rusty's face and it dawned on me that he didn't deserve only "half". He didn't do anything wrong and he deserved ALL of it, without guilt on my part. And I realized I could do that without diminishing my love for Stevie. From that moment on I didn't "short-change" him anymore, he got all I could give. Thankfully I had him less than a week before I came to that realization and I can honestly say I cherished every moment with him after that, right until his passing. That was the tough part for me about getting another pet. Maybe this is part of the issue with your grand daughter. I don't know. Just thought I'd share this, maybe it will help. Good luck with your adoption! He or she is going to be one lucky dog!

[ChrisH]

Thanks Bonny and SBG for your thoughts and input.

Bonny, she does understand about the death of a pet. She is 16, and over time she and her family have lost both a beloved dog and two cats, one a kitten that she loved very much. You could be right about a deep down hurt though, perhaps related to how she never showed Bobs how much she cared when he was here. I don't know. Thanks for the good wishes. {hug}

SBG, over the years I have lost and owned, or rather been owned by, 5 dogs, 6 with Bobs, and I understand totally everything you wrote. I was able to love each one of my dogs for themselves and will do so yet again. Thanks for the good luck wishes. {hug}

I spoke to my granddaughter on the telephone about adopting another dog maybe when I see her in person I will get more of an idea of what she thinks/feels. Though I have an idea it is about the time gap. Something I suspect a number of people may have a problem with, maybe one day they, and she, may understand. I hope so.

[lolli94]

You alone know when the right time is. I have often wondered how long it would take me to be ready to get another dog if Lolli ever died. I think it wouldn't take long at all. I am planning to pick Buddy up tonight so now I have two dogs and I probavly wouldn't be as quick to get another dog if Lolli died because I would still have one. But I hope everything goes well and good luck.

[lizbud]

I spoke to my granddaughter on the telephone about adopting another dog maybe when I see her in person I will get more of an idea of what she thinks/feels. Though I have an idea it is about the time gap. Something I suspect a number of people may have a problem with, maybe one day they, and she, may understand. I hope so.

Chris, I wouldn't be to overly concerned with your youngest grandaughter's reaction.
Some lessons are best learned with time and personal experience. One day she will
understand it better.