A week and a half now since we said good-bye to Stormy. It's still devastating to walk in at night and not see him there twirling with excitement. The sight of his crudduck or collar can choke me up in an instant. I find it very hard to read about the losses of others - our own is so fresh.
But ............... When Stormy was diagnosed with cancer we talked about what we would do after. We are gone during the day and Sophie doesn't deserve to be alone all that time when she is used to sharing her days with another dog. I've worked with dachshund rescue enough to know how very many dogs there are at any given time that need a home. And for us, the hole in our hearts left by Stormy can't be healed except by time, but we still have enough love to give to another. So I began to look at rescue sites to see what variety of dogs were available. I was mainly passing the time and then WHAM I went to the Hearts United for Animals site and found Sam. http://www.hua.org/Dogs-For-Adoption/Sam.html (http://www.hua.org/Dogs-For-Adoption/Sam.html)
This little guy's story and good looks just touched Deb and I - so we are going to make the trip to Nebraska this Sunday to meet Sam and see if he might fit in. Somehow I think Stormy would be happy that another homeless boy may get to be part of the home and security that he enjoyed all his years.
I know that some will say it is too soon. I just know it feels right for us.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who posted their condolences on the board (and Leslie and Barb for their cards). I have often wondered if it really helped to post my sympathy when one of our board family went to the bridge. Now I know it definitely does. Thanks so much for thinking of us and Stormy-angel.
That is amazing news! I know that Stormy is happy for you and Sophie to be helping give another pupper a forever home!
In my opinion...there is no better way to honor Stormy's dedication and service than to adopt a rescue in need.
says the DRNA foster parent...
KUDO'S TO YOU! :thumb:
Sam is a beautiful dog, just so happens that I'm naming my new foster Sam.
I have not been on the HUA site in at least over a year. The other day I popped in there and I also had seen Sam. He hit me too because my first thought was wow that guy looks a lot like Hallie in the face. I fell in love with him (then got off that site REAL fast! :)). He needs you guys so much what a sad story he has, and I'm sure Sophie is needing a companion, (how is she doing?). I don't think it's too soon at all, this will say nothing of how much you love Stormy and how much you and Deb are hurting over him. It just shows your heart is bigger than your pain and you are putting this little guy ahead of your own grief. I can't wait to hear about the meeting with him please take pictures if you can! We'll be with you in spirit!
I'm so sorry about Stormy, Rich and Deb. We all grieve in different ways and at different paces - no right or wrong way to do it. I'm sure Stormy would be happy for Sam to live the life he had. I'm sure you're right about Sophie wanting another pupper, since she's used to that. And Sam...well...he couldn't have landed in a better home. Congratulations, you guys! BTW, he's a very dapper looking little boy. He really does look a lot like Hallie.
It's not too soon. We got our little Parker a month after our beloved Eddie passed on to the rainbow bridge. It did take some time for him to steal our hearts, but he did, and has proven to be a keeper. He is so very different from our precious Eddie, but when I selected Parker I knew he was of a very different temperment.
There will be still moments when you think of Stormy, but as time passes.....
This week when I was unpacking the Christmas ornaments I came upon Eddie's stocking. I had a good cry, and fondly remember my precious Eddie and how he used to rip all the tags off the gifts under the tree, so every Christmas morning, we unwrapped the gifts, and then who every bought the gift would hand it to the person it was intended for. It was hilarious.
Parker is more interested in pulling the decorations off the tree, so they are all out of his reach. He's such a rascal.
Treasure your Sam, and you are not disrespecting Stormy......he will always be part of you.....everything happens for a reason.
I know exactly why he grabbed your heart. He was a beautiful dachshund and his eyes just grab you. After reading his story, I think your home would be perfect. Sometimes the best way to comfort ourselves is by comforting someone else. Sam needs that right now and and he would also get the security of having Sophie around during the day. I would tell his foster you are on your way to see him this weekend and you hope to be able to rescue him and allow him to rescue a part of your heart.
When Kendall-angel went to the bridge, I said I would need to wait a month at least before getting another dog. I made it 4 days. I couldn't stand the quiet. I was lost without her and a part of me was missing. I wasn't replacing Kendall, I just knew I had too much love left to not have another doxie around. You always know when the time is right.
I can't wait to hear about the meeting with Sam (hmmm, Sam and Sophie sounds kinda cool together).
He is adorable, what a face.............I to Dee Dee thought he looked like someone I knew, then I thought this guy is another camera lover.
Yes I think Stormy would approve.
Roberta
Rich and Deb, of course it is not too soon....I feel that Stormy sent Sam your way.....Sam is lovely...and Sophie does need a companion. Congratulations :heart: :heart: I can't wait to hear how the meeting goes :apls: :apls:
I think it is great and I think what works for you works for you. personally I lasted 4 days after I lost Zelda angel and she sent me 2 girls!! Have a BLAST!!!!!!! :wink:
Rich and Deb, you do what your hearts guide you to do. Personally, I don't think it is too soon. For us, when Looie-Angel passed on, it was 2 months and that is when Duggie came into our lives. As I have always believed, when God closes one door, he opens another for us......it just was that Duggie was meant to come into our lives then, not sooner. I think that is also true for you and Deb with Sam. Stormy-Angel is guiding Sam to you and you all to Sam. Sam needs you and Stormy-Angel knows that! Dee
When Sully was sent to the bridge in April of 1998 I said Eddie would be an only dog from then on, but it wasn't meant to be. In July 1998 Sam Angel needed a home and he came to live with us, again as a foster, and stayed until his death in 2007, he was 16 almost 17 years old. I think that there is no time table for when the void should be filled its only when the heart knows its right that it happens.
I think it's a lovely gift to a dog in need to take this grieving little guy in, even while you're still grieving yourself.
Best of luck to you-and good job Stormy :angel4: !
kat
I think it's the most wonderful thing in the world you are doing. Stormy would definitely thump his tail with approval!
Sam is beautiful, Rich! I am so excited for you. And its never "too soon" to give a home to a rescue dog. In fact, its a real testimony to Stormy. Stormy made your life so wonderful that you can't see life without another doxie in the house, and I'm sure Sophie would agree. Can't wait to hear about your trip to meet Sam.
Oh, my - Sam is so handsome! I surely hope things work out and you bond immediately. I know Brekke was so much happier when I took Robinton from his foster home and brought him home to us. She had been with Brenda's three dogs for over 7 months, so I felt she would be lonely in the daytime -after just two days back in our home. Sometimes things just work out, because the custodian who cleans my room, tried to get me to take Robinton just three weeks earlier - but we weren't home yet, and the timing wasn't right!
Rich - whatever feels right for your family IS right - no question !!! I think it is awesome that you are going to open your home and your hearts so soon and I know for a fact that Stormy would approve !!!! Please keep us posted !! Sam will be one lucky boy !