People are always excited to hear when you get a new dog after losing one. Its a sign that you've healed, that you're moving on.
Getting our new dog, Francesca, is helping me in some ways. I have a doggie buddy to take care of, one who will go jogging with me. But in many ways, she makes me miss Montana so much.
At first, it was hearing her walk around the pergo floors. I'd hear that sound, and my brain would think it was Montana. Also, she's using all of Montana's old stuff - her collar, her choker chain and leash, her kennel, her food bowl, even her leftover heartworm preventative.
Then, there's the fact that she's not Montana, an extensively trained, 10 year old Golden Retriever. No, she's a 10 month old, untrained Catahoula mix. One that likes to chase and harass the best cat in the world. She's not stealing food as much, but she is mouthy - chewing up lots of stuff (I have to continually supply toys) and affectionately nipping me and the kids, which we do not appreciate.
So, after the kids finally go to bed, I'm taking her for a 15 minute walk and obedience session, practicing polite leash walking and sitting. She does want to please and definitely needs the direction and discipline. But it makes me miss Montana even more, because 10 summers ago that's what she and I were doing. With Montana, I had hopes of obedience trials and lots more free time to spend with her. For Francesca, I just want a good dog, and I'm exhausted, and I've been training my kids all day - I don't have much patience left for her.
After tonight's lesson, she was still so ornery, and would not leave poor Claudio cat alone... so she's back in the kennel for now. She probably would have done better with another dog to mentor her, and sometimes I wish I'd gotten her when Montana was still around. But, she wasn't even at the shelter until after Montana died, and how stressful would that have been for old Montana, when she was losing her mind anyway?
I do love Francesca, and I know she'll become a good dog with time and training. I am glad I saved her from the shelter. I just really miss Montana, and hate that she had to die so early.
- Vetmommy
- I love my husband Anthony, my kids Anna and Colin, and my job as a small animal vet. I also love cooking for family and friends, drinking red wine, and jogging around the lake with my dog Francesca.
8 comments:
Me too. I wish she'd a lasted 6 or 7 more years.
I have been watching so much of Cesar Milan. I know you have seen some of his stuff and he is so insightful about how to relate to ornery cusses like F.
Perhaps you can TIVO all his stuff and glide thru it till you get something appropos for the young'un.
In some ways it is harder to have a new pet around, because they are so much not the old pet. In time, she will calm down and you will grow fond of her own idiosyncrasies. But, sadly, there is no way to hurry things along. I know you already know all of this. Anyway, Francesca is sweet.
Yes, the kids say, "She's BITING me!" when she nips at them. I know it doesn't hurt, just surprises them.
I miss Montana, too. I still miss my Benjamin sometimes, and he died 7 years ago. It gets easier.
edamame mommy ha detto...
I feel your pain Jenn. Loss sucks and people expect you to move on after a period of time deemed appropriate by them. The heart has a different time table.
Must run, have to share a taxi to the restaurant in the countryside. ciao ciao for now
edamame mommy ha detto...
I feel your pain Jenn. Loss sucks and people expect you to move on after a period of time deemed appropriate by them. The heart has a different time table.
Must run, have to share a taxi to the restaurant in the countryside. ciao ciao for now
I completely agree with Steph! XX
Wow, Stephanie parla italiano!
I just got back from this evening's walk, and someone asked me, "What kind of dog is that?" I said, "A catahoula." He said, "A cata-what?" Then he said, "I wish my dog was that good! He won't sit, all he does is tear up stuff!" I said we have the tearing up stuff part down, we are working of the sit part.
You never stop missing the ones that are gone. It just hurts less, and makes you smile a bit more when you remember them..
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