Coping With The Loss
Of A Loved Pet

It was April, 2004 when I walked into the Humane Society looking to bring home a companion for my dog "Lulu". Weeks earlier, our fourteen year old Doberman "Gretchen" had passed over.

I not only wanted a companion for Lulu, but to provide a nice home for a shelter dog and heal my own broken heart at the same time.

I barely got through the doors to the kennel area when this adorable little old-timer in the very first kennel demanded my full attention and she wasn't taking "no" for an answer. She barked and watched me as if she was thinking "this is my last chance, I can't let her get any further".

She wagged her tail and pranced gracefully around the cage. As I read over the tag, it stated that Lady was approximately ten years old to the best of their knowledge. Understanding the pain that goes along with the loss of a loved pet, I couldn't help to wonder just how long she would be with us? She was extremely thin and suffered with very bad periodontal disease.

It didn't take too much coaxing from this adorable little girl; I looked at her and said "I don't care how old you are, you're coming home with me today".

We walked to the lobby to introduce the two dogs and they instantly bonded. From that moment on, Lady never left my side.

So Very Grateful

Our friends always tell us that our home is Heaven for animals and they all want to come back as one of our dogs. Well, being the dog lovers that we are, we jumped into action cleaned Lady up and began a weight gain process immediately. We had her teeth cleaned and surgery performed to remove several teeth as well as an extensive gum cleaning.

It didn't take our little girl long to realize that she was special in our home. With each day, Lady was always eager to show her appreciation. She watched over us with one eye open at all times.

When we would arrive home from a walk, her little tail would wag as if to say "home sweet home". Using her Collie herding instincts, she would nip at our ankles and herd us into the kitchen for treats.

We Were The Lucky Ones

Memory foam dog beds in every room and homemade dog treats. Walks twice a day and dinner always on time with a few leftovers from our meal as well.

Regular grooming or as we like to call it in our house, "make-overs". But most of all, lots of love and affection. Something I don't think our little "Peanut" ever received much of before coming home with us that day.

I guess most would say that our dogs live a good life.

The truth is that Lady showered us with unconditional love, she brought us peace in knowing that she was happy, she made us laugh and she made us cry.

We were the lucky ones.

Thank you Lady.

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