She was my first baby. Dh gave her to me for our first Christmas together after my parents told me I couldn't have her (I was still living at home). You have to love a man who'll buck the in-laws even before he's proposed. She was twelve and had been completely blind for the last several years of her life. But we loved her.
What made losing her more difficult was the fact that she hung on several days after a debilitating stroke. DH used to work for our vet and I think both he and Mike were reluctant to let her go without a fight. So they loaded her up with medications and shots in the hopes we could get her over the first few days to recovery. It didn't work. The Friday before the luncheon I said my goodbyes before leaving the house. It was extremely difficult because while her body was completely useless, unable even to get herself to food and water, her mind was sound. She responded as I talked to her and licked my face goodbye.
I think what breaks my heart the most is seeing the empty spot in our kitchen where her bed used to be. Which is why we're driving 4 hours round trip tomorrow to pick up a new dog (assuming the girls get along with him, he doesn't bite anyone, and he likes us).
Meet Captain Jack
He's a one year old Australian Blue Heeler mix. Neutered, housebroken and up to date on shots. The information on him says he loves children and responds well to commands. As much as we loved Ming, she wasn't exactly a farm dog. I have no doubt that Jack will fit in quite well with the cats, goats, chickens and bunnies that roam freely in our front and back yards.
I know part of the reason I'm so excited to meet him and bring him home is because I'm anxious to fill that little hole in my heart. We'll always love Ming, but it's too quiet and lonely here without her.
Instigator
12 comments:
Oh, Instigator, so sorry on your loss. We count on those furry little friends much more than we realize, I think. (I know I do.)
Captain Jack looks like a sweetie. Keep us posted on how he does.
I still feel like an absoulte *ss--I was so caught up in the luncheon at that time, I didn't even think to ask about poor Ming until several days later. Some friend I am...
Hope Cptn. Jack can help fill the hole in your house and in your heart.
Losing a pet is never easy. I still cry when I talk about my german shephard. But you move on. Hopefully Jack will help with all that. I'm always up for a dog named after my favorite pirate. :) I'm sure he'll keep y'all very busy and fill that space.
He does look like a sweetie doesn't he? This was the same dog we were supposed to pick up last weekend but got a call at the last minute that he wouldn't be available that day. We're holding our breaths for now.
PC, you had other things going on :-) No worries!
We've already had a discussion with Sweet Pea - she wanted to change his name. I told her no way ;-)
Instigator
Captain Jack does look like a cutie and I love the name. You need to get him one of those cute bandana collars that has the skull and crossbones on it.
We expect regular doggie reports.
PM
Instigator, I had no idea you were suffering such a loss during the luncheon. In a strange way, I seemed to know that you were holding something back but thought you were tired at the time. I apologize for not asking. We had to put down our beloved, Bonnie Lass, nearly 4 years ago. She had just turned 15. Now our other Lab, her daughter Raven, is 13. She's already showing signs of her age and I don't want to think about that.
Capn' Jack, he be! There be no finer name to be found. Oh, he looks like a strapping lad. Mayhap he'll bring epic adventure to you landlubbers. Savvy?
Kathy
Let me be addin' that Raven sports a skull and crossbones handkerchief. She's a frightful sight to behold.
Kathy
Oh, Instigator, I'm so sorry! It's so hard to lose a member of your family...because that's what they are. I think it's a testimony to how much you loved Ming that you're giving Cap'n Jack a home. I have a picture of my dog Jake on my desk and look at him every day. He was 15 when we lost him to a stroke 4 years ago. We've adopted 3 more dogs since then but he still has a place in my heart.
How cute he is!!!! Can't wait to meet him.
I like the sound of the bandana!!
I'm off for my daughter's field trip to the Botanical Gardens today. We're visiting the new butterfly house. Yay!
I'm so sorry for your loss, too. I know how you feel. Having to say goodbye to each of my furbabies is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I hope everything works out with Captain Jack.
So sorry and big {{hugs}}. I've had to put down our beagle of 12 years (our only child at the time) and then our 17 yr. old most loveable ever mutt. I now have a houseful of cats. I couldn't stand not having animals around me. Captain Jack looks like a sweetheart.
So sorry about your loss. Its always hard to lose a pet, especially when its sudden like that. *hugs*
Capt. Jack looks like a real sweetheart :)
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