It’s nights like tonight I really miss my Spike. Its warm, the moon is full and it would have been a perfect night to go for a nice walk. I don’t think I ever realized what a wonderful and much needed companion he was. He couldn’t go far but he could go and was always happy to do it.
After a long day like today (and yesterday) he was always a welcome soul when I got home. He didn’t care how my day went, he was just happy to see me. Often times I’d come home and see him waddling around excited and begging for attention, a treat, or to go out and I would forget the troubles of my day.
Shane and I have discussed the idea of getting a new dog down the road but I’m still not on board with it. I don’t want another dog, I want Spike. I know I can’t have him because he is gone now but even almost 2 months later I find moments where I tear up thinking of him. I’m still not ready to contemplate getting another animal.
We’ve discussed the idea of getting a Frenchie (French Bulldog) because they’re a bit smaller and it would be more ideal for the apt. I realize its a better idea than another English Bullie but I’m still not sure. I didn’t mind taking care of him or cleaning up his messes from time to time. And while the apt was a tad small for Spike, he never really minded. He got plenty of walks and outings to ever feel cramped or cooped up.
I know I’m not betraying his memory by getting another dog but I do feel that way. Spike was unique and original and I couldn’t think of “replacing” him. While I am a little more open to the idea of another animal, I’m still not ready.
It's okay to feel sad still, Moby. And I can promise you no other dogs will be able to replace Spike. What you had with him was very special, and as long as you live, the bond will remain.
Bulldogs are really special aren't they? I never thought I like them until I had one and live has never been the same. Just like you, I also think if I ever have another dog, it will probably be another English or a Frenchie. Frenchie being easier to manage in a smaller place and also not quite exactly the same as Cleo so I don't feel like I betrayed her. It has been 7 months for me and I still think about her almost on a daily basis. But it does changed slowly from sadness to remembering the good times that I will not have exchanged for anything else.
On the day before her supposed birthday last month, she did came back into my dream and said hello. It was special.
We will never be the same, but we also has become better because of them.
No, you can never replace Spike. But you can open your home and your heart to another dog, and give him all the love and attention you would have given to Spike.
There's some lucky dog out there just waiting for a home like yours.
Moby – It's alright to feel sad and tear up every now and again over the loss of your beloved pet. I had to put my dog down in August and I still feel that I will see her at the top of the stairs, wagging her entire body when I come home from work. I miss her silently begging when I cook dinner. But most of all the night are too quiet for me – I miss her snoring.
But rest assured my friend, the pain of the loss does ease with time.
It's been over a years since we lost our cat, Tovah – I still tear up. She was my pal for 16 years. You don't get over that easily, if ever. We too have talked of getting another pet, but we can't yet bring ourselves to….but I'm sure we will. When it is right for all of us. Just do what feels right. You can never go wrong w/that.