Wednesday, January 30, 2013

DogMom: A new chapter.

It's been nearly six months since we lost our dear Hobbit and sweet Buster. Writing about it has proved difficult. Difficult because I don't even like to think about that time. DogDad and I can talk about the quirky and silly things that Hobbit and Buster used to do and the times they made us smile - which was everyday. Several times a day. What we don't discuss is what happened on August 7 and August 9 of 2012. To revisit that period of time would be too painful.

We instead choose to focus on the joy that Gus and Abby bring us today. Gus is nearing his 14th birthday (April) and any special attention we can give him is considered top priority. That usually means extra rubs, hugs, kisses and rotisserie chicken. Abby continues to keep us busy with her crazy antics and unceasing energy. She takes her self-assigned non-stop job of protecting our property very seriously. Right now we have a little family unit that seems to be working. It's small for us, but it seems right. Gus deserves some quiet in his golden years and we want to give him that. We do know, however, that we will eventually get another dog. That's what we do and who we are. We are dog people. 

I recently started volunteering at the local humane society (Oconee Regional Humane Society). During my most recent visit to the facility I was charged with the duty of playing with three puppies. A pretty good gig to get. They had been cooped up in a run for a couple of hours, so they needed to get out and do their puppy thing. That was good medicine for my soul. Seeing small, fuzzy, energetic and curious little doggies exploring their surroundings gave me a feeling of hope. Thinking about those little puppies makes me realize that there will be a time when the mourning will be less painful. I hope. There will soon be a time to rescue new dogs and bring into our home. A whole new chapter. 

Next month marks one year since DogDad and I packed up Gus, Buster, Hobbit and Abby and moved to Georgia. In two weeks we will be selling our house in West Virginia, the home where we raised a total of seven dogs through the years. Bogey, Annie, Gus, Buster, Hobbit, Abby and Huck. A lot of memories. It's bittersweet, but we trust in God and the plans he has for us. Good days are to come. Sad days. Trying days. But it's time for a new chapter and, by the grace of God, we have hope.

As part of my healing process, I have created a Facebook page dedicated to rescuing dogs and encouraging spay and neuter. Dogs are God's most loyal creatures. Dogs love us unconditionally. They deserve that love in return. I hope you will visit and "Like" the page called For The Love Of God and Dog.

Until next time,
DogMom