That was the answer Abe gave me when I asked him why he didn’t want a new dog when I offered him a puppy months ago. He said that he wasn’t ready yet for a new furry friend after the loss of his beloved James. “It’s like falling in love again,†he said. You need time to get over the love you’ve just lost.
He was right. You do need some time to get over the one you’ve lost. It wouldn’t be fair to your “new love.†But, “getting over†doesn’t mean you’ll have to forget.
It took Abe months before he accepted a new puppy from us. It took me less than that—just about a week.
Marc got me Shantee, an Imperial Shih Tzu puppy, almost the day after Sheero passed away. I think he grew quite concerned about me—I’ve been doing nothing but cry all day. Or maybe he wanted me to have a new furry baby who can make me happy, and even lift the pain of losing Sheero a bit. Whatever his intentions may be, I know it was for the good of me.
I’ve honestly felt somewhat guilty having Shantee. Aside from the fact that she cost us an arm and a leg (her breed is expensive), I felt that I was being “disloyal†to Sheero’s memory. Sounds crazy? Well, if you knew my dog, you’d know how uberly possessive Sheero was 😛
It wasn’t until my mom’s friend, Tita Angge, came over did I lose those guilty feelings. She was like me, a dog-lover. Somehow, telling me about her grief of losing her furry best friend of 20 years made me feel better. She understood my pain.
I never said anything about it, but Tita Angge knew that I was feeling guilty caring for Shantee. She told me I shouldn’t. Sheero may have been a jealous dog, but she wouldn’t have wanted me to mope around for her—she would have wanted me to be happy. Besides, Shantee needed me now, and I should care for her. I don’t need to compare my caring for her with that of Sheero’s. Sheero will always be special—I will always love and remember her. But that doesn’t mean I can’t love another dog again 🙂
Shantee has made our house a home again, in her own, different way.
There are many things I learned the past few weeks, and it’s quite surprising that I learned these things through my dogs. Funny, actually. I’ve learned new things about friendship, grief, new life, love… All because of a white and furry little dog angel waiting for me at heavens’ gates.
You’re right. Moving on is not forgetting the memories of Sheero and you. I’m glad you have a new pet. Btw, was Sheero buried at PAWS pet cemetery. I think I will bury our pets there if ever. (knock on wood)
Oh wow I want a Shih Tzu too 🙁
Glad to see a more cheery post here, Gail. Hope to see Shantee in one of the blog parties, if there’ll ever be one again. And I hope she wont bark at me the way Sheero did. Hehe 🙂
what a cute pup! a simple look in her eye is an inspiration to move on…
hugs for your cute pup! 🙂
@Noemi: Nope, we buried her in our “own pet cemetery” here in our garden. We actually thought of burying her there at PAWS, but we figured it’s better she’s buried here so we can visit her everyday. It’ll be like she’s still here you know?
@Riz: Hehe. Ask Abe if Shantee can bark 😛 She’s too KSP to bark at people! Juned heard her “bark” over the phone… He thought it was a cat meowing hehehe
@Juin: Thanks! 🙂
congrats on the new pup! i was one of your silent visitors but couldn’t help but leave a comment when I read about sheero. i’m glad you’re feeling better.
Shantee Pantee!!
Grrrr….sabi mo di ako madedepress? lalo ata kong nadepress!!!! How can you allow me to read the death of a loved one at this time? waaaaaaa! you’re baahhhd 🙂
but im glad you’re feeling ok….