Aside from the obvious sadness of the ending, what I was left with after finishing the book was a deep desire for another puppy. There were two reasons for this; one, Zoe was getting older and didn't do much anymore, and two, I realized how hard losing Zoe would be and thought that having a second, 'transition' dog would make it a little easier on us when that time came.
I was right.
Because I'm a self-diagnosed obsessive-compulsive, I began researching available puppies in November 2005 and didn't finish until we found Scout in September 2006.
I felt a little bad for Zoe, bringing in another dog when she was in her 'twilight years' and, while the rest of the family took an instant liking to Scout, I held back. Silly as it sounds, I did this out of loyalty to Zoe.
Scout was destructive and naughty and it crossed my mind that getting her may have been a mistake. She was also really, really sweet. She is a very affectionate dog and you can't help but like her.
Still, my loyalty remained.
Two weeks ago, Scout's original purpose of helping ease me into a life without Zoe needed to be served. I have always been a dog lover, but I am surprising myself with this need of a dog's companionship in my life. As soon as Zoe was gone, I opened my heart fully to Scout. Scout has been wonderfully calm, she follows me around the house quietly standing next to me wherever I go. I touch her and hug her and pet her throughout the day and pat the couch next to me at night. I need her head in my lap and her soft, warm ears in my hand amid The Swede's protests that I am stealing his dog from him.
She has done her job well.
5 comments:
Ah yes, Scout is indeed easing the pain. I'm glad. When I lost my Golden Bodie my heart dog, My mutt Lexi was lost. Lexi was my wife's dog. she had been with her since puppyhood. When we rescued Bodie they fought hard, bad. Blood and everything. One day it just stopped. They respected each other after that first 2 weeks. They became inseparable. When Bodie passed, Lexi was down. She passed 2 weeks later. To this day my wife and I believe it was because Bodie left her.
Now we have Murray. A blond Golden. I just can not be in a house with out a dog in it. Not only that, the boys love Murray and they all get along great.
I hope Scout is able to bring the joy back to you and not replace Zoe, but help you along in Zoe's memory.
It's obvious that Scout knows what you need right now and is so happy to be there for you. I hope she helps you heal your heart. A house just isn't a home without a dog and yours is certainly blessed.
Good Scout! I am crazy about my transitional dog Josie. And I am amazed how much she helped ease my pain. I thought my older dog's death would be so much harder but I think Melba just opened my heart wide so there was room for another dog to come in and share the love.
Awww....I am so glad you have her!
Awww....I am so glad you have her!
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