I miss the little things.

[undeterred]

Its been a week to the hour since Harry dog died. I miss taking our walk in the woods, stopping to rest and have a drink. I think about giving him his pills, refreshing the water bowl, and leaving out some treats before I leave- and then remember he's gone. His couch cushion is empty.

Yesterday I went to PetSmart and there were a dozen shelter dogs up for adoption. There was a four and a half year old mixed breed that I liked, so I took the application papers. But once I got home I realized I am not ready yet. It took me two months to get Harry after my previous dog died.

[hobbit709]

1. When you're ready, you'll know it

When I call my herd, sometimes I still rattle off the names of Hank and Boo who we lost a year ago.

[livetohike]

2. You'll know when it's time to open your heart to another

great dog undeterred :hug:. No one will ever take the place of Harry, but we humans are lucky that we somehow make more room in our hearts for another pet, that we will love fiercely. Harry will always be there, too.

[AZBlue]

3. When you're ready, you'll know, and when you find the right one, you'll know.

It will happen, don't force it.
:hug:

[MiniMe]

4. It took me 10 months after my last boy died

Thats when I started fostering. I couldn't stand not having a dog in the house, but I wasn't ready to commit to one. So I had a dog in my house, my only expense was food, and the only requirement was to give them some love. It was also the way that I got the 2 that I have now. It is kind of nice to see how they fit into your household before you decide to adopt. In fact, the first dog I adopted made the decision to keep the second dog. Of course, I agreed.

Hang in there, the others are right, you will know when the time is right. :hug: :hug:

[Muttocracy]

10. my first dog adopted a foster for my 2nd dog too :)

[BrklynLiberal]

5. Your heart will let yo know when you are ready...and the right furbaby will be there waiting.

We Have A Secret
We have a secret, you and I
that no one else shall know,
for who but I can see you lie
each night in fire glow?
And who but I can reach my hand
before we go to bed
and feel the living warmth of you
and touch your silken head?
And only I walk woodland paths
and see ahead of me,
your small form racing with the wind
so young again, and free.
And only I can see you swim
in every brook I pass
and when I call, no one but I
can see the bending grass.
Author Unknown


When first you bend to pet me and
Find I'm no longer there
When first you rush to greet me
And only stop and stare
When first you find my toys
Still hidden in you bed
When first you start to call me
Then shed a tear instead
When first you find me snuggled
Still deep inside your heart
At last you sense me watching
You know we're not apart
At last you feel my angel wings
Brush soft against your skin
At last your tears give way to smiles
To know we'll meet again

[spooky3]

6. Everyone's "right time" is unique.

When you are ready, you will feel it.

[MagickMuffin]

7. I understand the pain and loss of your Harry dog

I lost my Sweet Kagome Kitty July 4th of this year, and the pain is still lingering.

I'm hoping she will return to me.

Give it the time you need. You'll know when you're ready.

:hug:

[badgerpup]

8. Often THEY will find YOU.

Understand what you mean about the little things...
my Misha cat didn't care for cottage cheese, but he liked the whey (the liquid that separates out from it), so I'd pour it out for him.
Had me well trained, he did...

First time I went to do that after he was gone, and I realized what I was doing, I just cried and cried...

Two years now and I still miss that big loud noisy opinionated cat...:(

[undeterred]

9. I went to the grocery store tonight

and gravitated toward the dog food aisle to buy him some milkbones.

I did spoil him, but I'd give anything to spoil him some more.

[BrklynLiberal]

11. It is part of mourning. Allow yourself to feel the sadness.

[Sanity Claws]

12. He adopted another dog

It's in another thread in this forum.

[undeterred]

13. Well I have another dog and he is great

but it does not take the place. It allows me to keep the same routine of having a dog, to get out and walk, to have a companion, to have a pet to take care of, to feed and to nurture. But it is not the dog that I knew and loved for 16 years, it is a dog I have only known for a few days.

I feel guilty that I cannot transfer the love from one to another, but I can't. I would give anything to have Harry back, as old and weak as he was. He is the one I knew so well, the one I had history with. I can't believe I will never see him again. There is a pet loss support group at my local shelter tomorrow night and I am going to it. This is so painful.

[JeffR]

14. The new dog IS a dog you've only known for a few days.

And he'll never take your beloved lost dog's place. He'll carve out his own place in your heart, and you in his, with time. Don't expect too much from yourself too soon. It takes lots of time.

Trust me on this. I have a very different relationship with our puppy than I did with our much-missed big guy. But after over 11 months of being with Zen, there's a tight bond. He doesn't want to step into the paws of another dog he never even knew. He just wants to be himself and wants us to love him, and we do.

[spooky3]

15. I know exactly how you feel.

I lost AC about when you lost Harry and would give anything to have him back. I adopted Tommy quickly because I just couldn't bear what was missing from my life when AC left it.

But remember that there would be something wrong with you if you could transfer the love that developed over 16 years for Harry to a dog you have just met. It might mean you didn't really love Harry. But you did. Grieving takes time. And love takes time to grow. But it will grow.