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Teri Leigh 💜's avatar

there's something so haunting about a house that is used to dogs being empty of dogs. My parents always had dogs. Their first "kids" were poodles named Happy and Tidbit. Their last pups, a pair of schipperkes named Maya and Shadow died within two months of each other during covid. All my parents' dogs lived to be over 18. Miss Tique lived to 21!

Mom says no more dogs. She doesn't want to have a dog outlive her, even though I have promised to take whatever dog they have.

My dad is lonely for a dog now. He walks all the neighbor dogs who will let him. If my mom dies before him, the first thing I will do is get him a dog.

I feel your sadness.

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Mel's Messy Love Lab's avatar

My mom decided to get a dog! I’m so thrilled. I told her I’ll take Bailey if she outlives her. I’m glad she’ll have a companion. You are so right about an empty house. 😀

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Teri Leigh 💜's avatar

I’m so glad she got Bailey! that dog-empty house is so echoey. I can’t stand it. when my first dog, Spirit, died I found Sukha a week later. But she wasn’t ready to wean, so I had to wait 4 weeks. Longest four weeks of my life! When Sukha got elderly, I got Tosha before Sukha passed because I knew I couldn’t do empty-dog house again.

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Mary Braun Bates, MD's avatar

I know the pain of losing a beloved dog. I am still not over our Maggie from 3 years ago. Thank you for sharing a life with dogs.

I'm glad your mom has a new one.

Maggie's ashes are in our closet.

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Mel's Messy Love Lab's avatar

I’m glad my mom came to that decision as well, Mary. She’ll be getting Bailey at the end of this month. I’m grateful she’ll have a new companion.

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Mel! Beautiful (and sad and smiles all at the same time).

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Mel's Messy Love Lab's avatar

Thanks, Kristi. Oddly enough just yesterday my mom decided that Lily isn't going to be the last dog! She's found a new one and, due to mom's age, I have agreed to take Bailey if she outlives my mom. So, I guess there will be more writing about dogs in my future. :)

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Kristi Keller 🇨🇦's avatar

I love that for your mom and I’m glad she has you. She can enjoy the companionship that older people need and she doesn’t have to worry about what happens down the road.

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Kim S's avatar

Aww, Lily. I'm sorry. So sad to lose a beloved pet. Heartbreaking. I'm gonna go hug Chelsea for you.

I have to say this made my day (and I've had a HORRIBLE week!): "chastises Herbert for some past assholery." Now, I kind of wish I will have the opportunity to keep the ashes of my ex for that exact reason. :) xo

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Mel's Messy Love Lab's avatar

I love that - keeping the ashes of your ex!!!!

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

That last paragraph is so moving. And true. Love doesn't end when a heartbeat stops.

I'm sorry about Lily. She was very well loved, and this a moving tribute to her and all the pups and cat.

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Mel's Messy Love Lab's avatar

Thanks so much, Sam. She really was well loved. I have to say, I want to figure out some way for you to get to the west coast so you can commune with the magic of nature out here as well!

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Sam Messersmith's avatar

You are so sweet. I am definitely open to that!

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