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Love, loss, and our new pup

One week ago, we got a puppy. Because we have lost our minds, because we have too much time on our hands, because my step count has been suffering lately. You know, the usual reasons.

But also because we’ve been waiting for a long time.

A year ago, early last summer, our long-time family dog died. She was twelve. I was so much sadder than I ever expected I’d be. The kids were devastated. (The long process of saying good bye to that dog was an emotional and surprisingly introspective journey.)

And then, just a few weeks later—well before we intended to start looking—a new puppy walked into our lives. We named him Bingley. He died in an accident while we were on vacation. He was with us six weeks.

If the kids were devastated before, well. They had plenty of grief for their first dog, and plenty more for the new pup. One child had insomnia for months, not the occasional, inconvenient kind, but the messing-with-your-life kind.

We knew we were dog people, but we needed some time.

A lot happened in the middle there.

Daisy

Six weeks ago Will and I tentatively met a 12-week-old yellow lab. A lab because our long-time chocolate lab had been perfect for our family. Yellow so she didn’t look like Harriet the Second.

Five weeks ago the kids met their puppy-to-be.

One week ago she came home.

We named her Daisy, because daisies are the happiest flower, and we needed a happy name. (And because I didn’t think my family would let me get away with another Austen-inspired dog name.)

I’ve been holding my breath a little, but it’s been a good week. For the dog, for Will and me, for the kids.

There are plenty of pet-owners in the world; people get new dogs every day. We’re not exactly special in that regard. And still—this has been quite a road for us, in ways I never expected.

Thanks for letting me introduce you to our new pup.

23 comments

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  1. Sarah M says:

    I knew your Daisy reference right away. 😉
    She’s so cute. So sorry to hear that about your other little puppy–I wondered why he was never in photos. Poor kiddos, that must have been so tough. Many happy walks, cuddles, and blessings to your family!

  2. Bonnie says:

    There is nothing like a lab puppy! Our Sully is a yellow half-Lab, half-Golden Retriever( (looks full Lab), and he has the best disposition. Nothing fazes him (well, except the vacuum cleaner ?). I know your family is going to fall in love with Dausy in no time. I’m so glad you were willing to put your hearts out there again.

  3. Katia says:

    I remember the stories of the loss of your two dogs last year, and I’m so glad to read about the new addition to your household! Enjoy the snuggles with adorable Daisy!

  4. Mandy says:

    YAY for Daisy! Such a sweet girl! 🙂 We went through a similar situation two years ago — our 14-year-old dog, Kipper, had to be put down due to a terminal illness on the DAY we left for family vacation (and 3 days before my 40th birthday. That was great fun – NOT.). We were all heartbroken, and decided not to get another dog for a long while. Well, the day after we got home, we apparently lost our minds and went to our local shelter and brought home not one, but TWO puppies. Seven-week old black and white Lab/Pointer mixes. Our house didn’t know what hit it! Oh – and we named them Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. I’ll let you guess our inspiration for the names. 😉 They are snoring behind me as I type this. 🙂 Enjoy your new pup!

  5. Heather Braun says:

    Yay! Another puppy. I am so glad you waited for the right time, right dog. We love our dogs, and one of the best gifts they have given us is the lessons they taught our children, about love, loyalty and grief. All the best with Daisy 🙂

  6. Maureen says:

    Congrats on the new pup! She is darling. I have a Daisy as well. She’s a 1.5 year old Boxer-Lab mix (chocolate colored). She has a lot of energy and makes my life a happier place all around. I gave my two year old nephew a stuffed brown puppy for christmas last year and he named it “the new daisy”. Here’s to many years of adventures with your new Daisy.

  7. Tara says:

    Congratulations on your new addition! Even crazy is sometimes needed in our families’ lives.

    If it isn’t too personal I would love to learn more about how you managed the child with sleep problems. We have a very sensitive daughter and feel your pain.

  8. What a cutie-patootie! Labs are wonderful pets. Easy to train because all they want to do is please you (well, most of the time.) She’s a lucky girl. All best wishes for your family and its new member! <3

  9. Mary Kate says:

    My boyfriend and I lost our first cat about six months ago, and were somewhat surprised at how incredibly difficult it was. We know we want to make room in our home for a new pet, but have not yet felt ready. Every day that passes I feel guilty–there are so many unwanted cats and dogs out there needing good homes!–but I know we need to wait until we feel ready for it.

    So happy you’re giving this sweet pup a home 🙂

  10. Barbara says:

    I totally understand the heartbreak of losing a pet. Glad Daisy found a great home. Love the You’ve Got Mail references. My favorite movie!

  11. Louise says:

    Aww, what a sweet face she has. Congrats to you & your family.

    Our beloved cat died at the beginning of this year and it sent me into kind of a tailspin emotionally/mentally. I got help for that and at the beginning of this month we decided we were ready to welcome another feline into our home. (It doesn’t help that our old boy was a black cat & we celebrated his birthday at Halloween… all the black cat stuff out there was starting to drive me bonkers again.) We ended up getting two of the little fuzzballs, because they were having a 50% off sale AND had a BOGO deal for littermates… oops?

  12. Halle says:

    I lost my almost twelve-year-old dog on Memorial Day weekend and was stunned at how much it threw me into an emotional tailspin. I knew I was very attached to her, but never realized how much I smiled every day because of her. Losing a pet is much harder than most people will admit to, I think.

    I brought a new pup home on October 1st and he brings me such joy and contentment. I am so happy your family has a new dog to smother with love and kindness. Best wishes to you all.

  13. Judy says:

    I am so, SO happy for you all!!!! When a dog enters your life, a part of your heart is just transplanted. Wishing you many, many happy years. Give Daisy (love the name!) lots of hugs from me & Riley (my 6 year-old cocker spaniel).

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