TableFor1
Well-known member
Four weeks ago, I was visiting my cousin and she has a small, 1 year old dog, a Terrier mix (Earnhardt aka Ernie, is what I call him) and he kept leaving the yard. Sadly, she was thinking about finding him a new home where he’d be safer. I’ve been so lonely, I decided I would take him in, this way he could stay in the family and everyone is happy. He is just SO sweet. The following weekend I picked him up. We went to the beach, the dog park, and long walks or runs twice every morning and night. We were having so much fun and I was getting in better shape to boot! For the first time in so long, he made me feel normal, he filled that emptiness. Within a week and half I was overwhelmed with confidence. I started chatting with people wherever we were and I even asked a guy out for drinks! He said yes! Ernie’s needs overruled my fears completely. I was happy, actually really happy!
The down part. Our happiness was only when I was home. I live in a condo alone (far from the one acre lot he came from) and he was used to people being around most of they day, if not the whole day. He would cry for a bit when I would leave for work and I had horrible guilt the entire day. I bought him the “Potty Patch”, but I couldn’t train him to use it. The poor baby would hold it until I got home, 10 hrs later! This was not working for him – his new living situation was absolutely breaking my heart.
The bitter sweet part. I called my cousin last week to tell her my concerns. She apparently was trying not to call me – she didn’t think she’d miss him as much as she did and would never ask for him back, she knew how I felt about him. It was a no brainer, she took him back home, happily – we both cried. She has taken the extra steps to keep him safer.
I am so thankful for that short time with him. Today is strange though, like time never passed from four weeks ago. I quickly I went back to my old SA ways, with a side of a broken heart - but I know my heart will heal. Knowing he will be loved, happy and healthy means everything to me… It was worth him going home. I just wish I lived closer to them, I really miss that sweet little face.
If you're able to care for an animal, I highly recommend getting one or two.
*Sigh* I just needed to get that off my chest.
I love you Ernie!
The down part. Our happiness was only when I was home. I live in a condo alone (far from the one acre lot he came from) and he was used to people being around most of they day, if not the whole day. He would cry for a bit when I would leave for work and I had horrible guilt the entire day. I bought him the “Potty Patch”, but I couldn’t train him to use it. The poor baby would hold it until I got home, 10 hrs later! This was not working for him – his new living situation was absolutely breaking my heart.
The bitter sweet part. I called my cousin last week to tell her my concerns. She apparently was trying not to call me – she didn’t think she’d miss him as much as she did and would never ask for him back, she knew how I felt about him. It was a no brainer, she took him back home, happily – we both cried. She has taken the extra steps to keep him safer.
I am so thankful for that short time with him. Today is strange though, like time never passed from four weeks ago. I quickly I went back to my old SA ways, with a side of a broken heart - but I know my heart will heal. Knowing he will be loved, happy and healthy means everything to me… It was worth him going home. I just wish I lived closer to them, I really miss that sweet little face.
If you're able to care for an animal, I highly recommend getting one or two.
*Sigh* I just needed to get that off my chest.
I love you Ernie!
