On the thread I started, which is now on Page 3 of this forum, I posted a reply to you that I really needed you to read and respond. I'm starting a separate thread here which will be identical to that reply because I didn't know whether or not you read and respond to back pages on this site. Anyway, here it is:
I really need some words of wisdom and advice. For the past six months (since Maggie May has been gone) I have been so very lonely and heartbroken without Maggie May. Out of all the dogs I've ever had, I had the closest and most special bond with her. In other words, as I've told everyone, Maggie May was the best and most special dog I've ever had. For the past six months, I've been so lonely without her and I've missed her so very much and I've cried often during that time.
You told me a story about your cockatiel that really touched me that was so similar to my situation (Page 3). You lost your cockatiel that your deceased dad had gotten for you while I got my dog Maggie May from my deceased mom. I thought since our stories are so similar, you understood how I felt. You had recommended to me (Page 3) to get another dog to help ease my loneliness.
Last week, I found a girl Westie puppy at the exact same store that my mom got Maggie May for me 13 years ago. I put down a deposit and said I would pick her up today. During that time between then and now, I found all of Maggie May's bowls, toys, leashes and blankets. I started to cry and put them away in storage. I bought new things for the new puppy, who I named Mandy May. Mandy, after the Barry Manilow song (My mom loved Barry Manilow's music as to keep my connection with her) and added the May to honor and memorialize Maggie May. I picked her up today and took her home. I was happy that I have a dog in the house again but I feel very sad as to this feels like the finality to the loss of Maggie May. Can you identify with this? In one respect, I'm glad I have another dog (I've had at least one dog at home in my life in the last 40 years). However, I feel like I'm betraying Maggie May in a way like I was replacing her. We had such a special bond together. This new puppy (Mandy) is very sweet and extremely cute. Maybe it will take time for me to develop that bond? Maybe it will never happen? I'm afraid that at the same time I'll forget the special love I shared for 12 1/2 years with Maggie May. I'll be afraid that with the new dog that my memories of Maggie May will fade over time. I feel very ambivalent. It was a somewhat happy occasion but an extremely sad occasion, too. I'm probably still grieving. It was hard to live without any dog in my life but it feels somewhat hard to give love to this new puppy (Mandy) without feeling guilty.
Do you have any advice or know how I feel? Please give me a reply. I sure could use your help.
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