There are sometimes interesting journeys we embark upon. Sometimes they follow deep hurt and heartbreak. We do them to occupy ourselves, to fill voids, and to let us know the world is still OK and there’s hope for our happiness. I’ve now done that..
Many of you have followed Isabelle’s story, from arrival at my home and WION to a few weeks ago when Isabelle went home to God after fast-moving cancer attacked her beautiful and loving existence on this earth. I’m still mourning. I still cry. I’ve created an SD card for my largest digital picture frame of “All Isabelle (and her sister Jasmine) all the time with hudreds of pictures, and read the many cards of condolence which were all appreciated.
But, to move forward, something was missing. A few “somethings.”
One of them was the loving wag of Isabelle when I come home from being away. My tradition was always to say, “did YOU miss ME? I sure missed YOU”…..and, when leaving, even for dinner, she always got a small treat, me on my knees talking to her, and telling her, “I’ll never abandon you, I’ll always come back for you.” I did that because she was abandoned in Ionia and found at the shelter by my buddy Todd.
Nights have been WAY too quiet and still at home, Mornings have been dreary at best, dreams have been sometimes bad ones about Isabelle’s final days, and I’ve been plain ol’ lonely.
Some of you may not understand what I’m about to say, and that’s ok. I’ve been assured that greiving has no timeline, and it’s unique to each situation, human, pet, loss of job, etc. So, I began looking for a companion to fill the void left by my little Isabelle. It started with viewing Petfinder, it took me to the local Ionia shelter where I cried my eyes out in the dog kennels from knowing that’s where Isabelle’s story with me began….and…it led me to visit a little puppy by the name of “Beep Beep” at a foster home in Wyoming. Beep was very loveable, energetic and cool-looking…and I thought she was the ONE…but after that meet-up, another small puppy caught my attention, and I shared her picture. Her “adopt me” name was, “Kiss Kiss” and, she was true to her name. I met her at an adoption event the night of all the ice and ick on the roads last Friday, and …she spent time in my lap, and crawling up my chest to my shoulder. After maybe fifteen or twenty minutes with “Kiss Kiss” I asked to adopt her….having already been approved by the rescue organization. I picked her up on Saturday March 23rd with Todd.
She rode home in my buddy’s truck with us, comfortable with riding, watching the road in back and all around, and even laid her head on Todd’s arm as he drove. She was comfortable. She came to WION, ran around, and…she’s getting familiar with much of the main part of the studios….and at my home.
“Puppy” is much more work than “adult dog”….like a first-edition of software is compared to a much later version…So, I’m learning training, being patient, and being rewarded with lots of love, and lots of ENERGY at times….
She is named to honor her sister, we call her “Izzy”…and she’s a cutie for sure. My nickname will be “little one” for her, despite the fact she’ll grow up……but I think it fits. I’ve had a few “puppy teeth” encounters but, I have plenty of bandaids, and….we’ve had minimal indoor accidents, though it’s bound to happen til she learns more. She’d never seen snow and played in it at the studios, and…she seems to love TV…she notices the sounds AND the motion. So far no “separation anxiety” either. I hope that doesn’t happen. She’s taken over the same recliner at night that Isabelle enjoyed next to my bed, and….I’m exhausted at day’s end, but I love this little one.
So, don’t think me bad….don’t think me as trying to “replace” Isabelle, as I could no more do that than replace a human who dies…Isabelle will always be what may be called my “soul dog” that filled every dog-need and came to me in a remarkable way…..but, this “little one” (Izzy) is already well on her way to being my friend and companion.
Wish me luck, send me training tips….and enjoy this “new” ride of joy…..while we still remember Isabelle. In time, Izzy may even join the midday show…..
Wishing you contentment, love from pets and your human family, and hoping you’ve felt a part of this journey with me, Isabelle and now Izzy….
