It’s been four weeks since we haven’t had any pets in the house.
I’ve had a dog my entire life. The only time I haven’t actually lived with a dog was when I was in the dorms at college and for a couple of years when I lived with roommates in an apartment while I was in nursing school. But during that time I still considered my parents’ dogs “mine.”
When David and I got married we each brought our own dog into the mix. They always got along and eventually picked up each other’s habits. They were the soundtrack and background of our life. They made our house feel full and lively.
Now, despite the baby and the toddler, things are eerily quiet. When food is dropped on the ground it just…stays there. I have to sweep it up. There is no one keeping me company at 5 a.m. when I usually find myself waking up. No one happy to see me when I get home. These things are not that easy to get used to.
It’s true that there is also a lot less sweeping to be done. We can leave all the doors open and not worry. Being at home is calmer. There is a little more space in our bed at night.
We have decided not to get another pet for awhile. Maybe years, we’ll see, just to give ourselves a break. Just a few months ago we had two lively dogs. Now we have none, and it’s different. Strange. Quiet.
From Mom:
I miss them too!
From Nora:
Like you I’ve grown up with dogs so they are kind of a part of me. I can’t really imagine my life without Jack (or another dog), especially since we are currently mostly without kids. I dread the day that he will no longer be with us… and I don’t know if I want to get another dog because Jack has been (I’m biased, I know) the best dog ever. Big hugs to you. xo
From Melissa:
Ugh. I was wondering… We went from two dogs (Matt and I each brought our own) to one right before Alice was born. Unfortunately our dogs din not always get along, which was completely my dog’s fault (the one who is no longer with us.) Penny, our German Shepherd, adapted very quickly to the single dog life. I actually think she prefers it. Sometimes I get frustrated because she is a living being that wants attention and with a child and a husband sometimes it’s hard to muster up more of yourself for one more person(dog). I realize that sounds terrible.
At the end of the day though. I love Penny. I love dogs! I’m a dog person and I know, like you, our home will feel sad and a little emptier when she’s no longer around.
From Kara:
I cannot imagine having a house with no dogs – they’ve been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. They just bring a certain kind of comfort and happiness that no other living thing can, but I can totally understand waiting to add another four-legged companion to the family, especially with an infant and a toddler. I’m sure when the time is right your family will welcome another dog into the house with open arms. Hugs to you! xx
From Lauren W:
It’s been three years now since Shep died and I still miss him. Sometimes I still think I hear him walking around, and sometimes I still open the door and expect to see him. I think losing pets is like heartbreak. You can heal, but the way you truly, TRULY move on is to love again. Shep was such a vital part of our family, in a way our other (still beloved) dogs weren’t. The mourning period between him and the next dog has been long, and rightfully so. But I also always remember what my friend Alison said, that she would get a new dog the day after hers did, because Zooey would want for her to love another dog, not be sad about her. And it sticks with me because I think that yeah, dogs would want that. Anyway… *sigh*
From Stephany:
I remember after my dog, Minnie, died, I couldn’t think about getting another dog for a long time. I just needed time to grieve her loss and gradually, I found myself warming to getting another dog and that’s when Dutch came into my life and he’s seriously the best thing in my life. I am going to be a MESS when he dies because he means so much to me and is such a part of who I am. I probably will need a long time to get over him, but I think I’ll get another dog after him. I’m just a dog person and I love having them around. They make things so much lighter! And they’re such a good companion.
That said, not only did your world turn upside down by the death of your two dogs, but you ALSO added a brand-new tiny human to the mix this year. :) So I can totally see why you’d want to spend some time with just your family before getting another dog. Dogs are a lot of work and you have your hands full as it is!