Dog sitting

My next door neighbors are the kind that money can’t buy and only if you get lucky.  I was more than blessed when I found this house, was able to afford it and then met my neighbors.  Jeanine had four children and a live in boyfriend, now husband, Mike.  I’ve written about the girls before, and showed you photos, but they have two brothers as well.  Long story short, I love that family as my own.  ANY time I needed them to, they let Gerry out, fed him, let him sleep over.  They loved him.  Who couldn’t?

This summer, the oldest daughter Caitlin adopted a shepherd mix rescue at 8 months.  Arley is her name.  She was very barky at first, and so Gerry didn’t even want to try to get to know her…his gentle soul would have loved too, but even though she was much smaller, she barked, and he showed no interest in her (smart boy).

Well, tonight, I am returning one of many favors, and am having Arley sleep over.  When I tell you that I woke up in a bad mood about this, will you understand?  When I tell you that it feels like a betrayal to touch another dog, or let it snuggle up to you, does that make sense?  I couldn’t say “no” to them, because I love them, and I know my brain and heart are in conflict…..but do you think Gerry will understand, looking down at me?  I feel nervous, and guilty, and a little bit excited.  It’s not a replacement AT ALL, my BOY….just a kindness I owe them, because they took care of you and loved YOU as their own.  I won’t apologize, but YOU will be in my heart the whole time.

About danielle

I am a rescue mom and school teacher. Gerry came to me from Texas, after he "failed" as a hunting dog. He had NOT had an easy life. I was three years divorced, and we saved each other. Last week I learned he has osteosarcoma. Our world feels upside down...while everyone else is right side up.
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4 Responses to Dog sitting

  1. dobemom says:

    Absolutely Gerry will understand! His “gentle soul” wouldn’t want it any other way. He knows you loved him with all your heart, and also knows that, if you let it, this kindness-repaying sleepover will help your heart. Don’t waste energy feeling guilty – it does no good to anyone. Trust me when I tell you this….I’ve so recently been where you are today. Little by little, day by day, you will start to look past the sadness; you will work THROUGH the pain. I know it probably doesn’t seem possible to you yet, but you WILL get there. And through it all, Gerry will be looking down on you, cheering you on.
    Take care, my friend.

    Paula and Warrior Angel Nitro

  2. jerry says:

    Hey how did it go?

    I know exactly what you mean, it does feel like a betrayal the first time you show another dog affection. I found though that if you stuck around with the dog long enough, you would see how very different they were from your beloved angel dog, and there really could never be a comparison. I’m betting you found that out too. Hope it was a good visit though. I wish you were our neighbor!

    Drop us a line and let us know how it went OK?

    • danielle says:

      It went really well. She was WAY curious, but we are able to block the hall and dining room entrance easily so she quickly realized her “space”. She had went to bed in Gerry’s room with me, but stayed in her own bed, while I slept on the human bed, and she calmed down after 15 minutes or so, once lights were out, and never tried to jump on the big bed. She was SOOO ready “to go home” @ 5 AM when I was to walk her (like I did Gerry) and I felt badly having to encourage come back to my front door, instead of hers….but she survived!

  3. danielle says:

    It went well. My only “fear” was that she’d have an accident in the house, (and she didn’t.) She mostly understood boundaries, PLUS the lay out of my house makes it perfect to keep a dog self contained to the kitchen and connected TV room.
    I told her mom, Caitlin, to have her come and visit a day or two before, so she would see HER in the house, with me. I also asked her to have her pee outside before she first came in , and that was a HUGE factor. Caitlin brought her bed and treats over the night before, and she found some of Gerry’s old antlers to chew on, so she was happy as hell! (I had given them some brand new ones that he wasn’t interested in a few months ago, and she has a flavor for them now!).
    When I went to bed, I didn’t invite her on to the bed, and she (thankfully) wasn’t able to do it on her own. She walked about a bit and settled down into her bed and slept all night. When I got into bed, I swear I could feel Gerry above me telling me it was alright, and it made him happy to see me laugh at puppy things. Sigh…..it went well. Arley was SOOO ready to go home though and THAT was what made me really happy. She knew this was a once over, and that Caitlin would be back. All around, not bad.

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