It has been a month since our beloved family dog died. He lived a long, happy life after we found him in a local dogs’ home. We have no knowledge of his origins, only that when he came to us, he was very nervous, and he had a terrible reaction to loud noises like smoke alarms and timer alarms. He would literally have a panic attack, and we would have to calm him down. Baxter was terrified of water when we first brought him home, but with some gentle coaxing from my husband, he began paddling in the river near home, and he adored visiting the coast and swimming in the sea. He even went for a swim in Lake Bala in North Wales once upon a time. We have so many precious and wonderful memories of our boy, but now we are lonely.
I have found it incredibly difficult working from home every day and being so alone. I miss the tinkle of his collar as he trots around the house. I miss watching him in the garden while I work in the kitchen. I miss him walking by my side along the canal path and the riverside. I miss our nightly cuddles on the sofa, after we get the children to bed. I am lonely, and our house is far too quiet. But are we ready to bring home a new dog? I don’t know. Part of me wants to go out and adopt all the local Staffies that nobody will have. But we have visited a few animal welfare homes during the past few weeks, and we are not quite ready. Our next dog (or dogs) is out there, somewhere. I think I am ready to bring them home, but my husband needs a little more time. Let us see what autumn brings.
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SpookyMrsGreen 
It’s so hard to get over the loss of a canine companion! I still miss Millie, who passed nearly a year ago, and I dread the thought of Pearly Greyhound following her over the Bridge and leaving me dogless. I’ve been tempted to get another Lurcher, but I’m not sure if Pearl would accept a dog who wasn’t Millie. Pearl has had a few issues in her time- like your Baxter, she panics at certain noises – and she can be very territorial. It would have to be the right dog.
Let’s hope our right dogs find us soon!
Let’s hope so! I am far too lonely at home.
Sorry to hear of your loss. I also work at home and understand your loss of familiar friend. Our precious new cat got ran over at Christmas on his adventures around busy Christmas traffic. It IS the familiarity of their habits being around which we miss. The empty mat!
I had immediately wanted to replace him, but your husband may be right about leaving it for a good while. Its not fair on a new friend to have it be a replacement, which they cannot be for the other’s personality.
So I have decided to leave getting another for quite a while. It could be a signal to travel more. Although I felt my cat was deprived of the rest of his life, being only about 4yrs old when got from the shelter only 18 months previously, to catch mice; I increasingly think more on how much he enjoyed the time he had with us, and his garden adventures locally, than dwell on my own missing of him. I think on that because he is not around to be sad at his own demise.
He had been run over previously when taken to the shelter, and survived head injuries, so his life with us was a golden time. He was a very special cat whom the cats next door looked up to, and his friend visits regularly sniffing about furniture and for him. That is the saddest reminder. He cannot understand.
I am very sad to hear about your cat, but like you say, he had a good life with you, however brief. We have not yet found our next canine companion and will wait until the time is right, whenever that may be. I am still lonely, but I am keeping busy. Thank you for commenting 🙂