For 17 years, we lived with one dog. He was amazing, and he was cherished. This past August, we let him go into his good night. His name was Einstein, and I still miss him terribly. However, a month or so ago, I felt the grieving end. I was able to look at photos and say his name without a catch in my voice or a quick blink.
Einstein was our baby when we brought our bouncing baby boy home. They took to each other instantly, and it had everything to do with the full-face lick our son received when he was 16 hours old and the carrier was set in front of Einstein soon after our arrival home. They were thick as thieves, and Einstein never betrayed his love for our young man.
He stayed true to our son through the perils of toddlerhood. My theory? Because Einstein had spent our son’s babyhood under the high chair and it had been glorious for him. The new parent in each of us knew to be grateful for Einstein’s help in making sure the floor was always spic and span.
He stayed true to my husband and me when daily walks weren’t always achieved in a coordinated and timely fashion. We think this patience with us was direct compensation for spending every night for 17 years in our bed with us.
Then, last Wednesday, I started to fall in love again, and my voice only caught once that day. We were at the shelter, the final decision had been made, and the money had changed hands. We were merely waiting for someone to unlock the cage. When I said to my husband, “Let’s take him home,” I lost it just a tiny bit.
Here’s why:
Falling in love again has been easy. Edison is wonderful, and we will all grow a little bit older together. To me, it’s the beginning of another perfect love story,
p.s. Should you want to read more about Einstein, click here.
Photo Credit: These shots were captured just this afternoon by Joy Albright. I owe her one.
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So glad you adopted a shelter dog. They ARE the best!!
Ernie and I went through the same thing with our Pug dog, Fuzzy Mae. When we knew her quality of life would not improve, although it was the hardest thing to do, we had to do what was best for her. That was in August 2009. Then on St. Patrick’s day, 2010, a little bundle of “Pug dog joy” was born that definitely had all the makings of a good “Irish” dog. Being Irish (“Patricia McMaster”), I couldn’t resist. I know Fuzzy Mae is watching with delight as we deal with all the mischief, pranks and tomfoolery our little “Irish” Pug, Chloe Mae, throws at us every day! I do believe Einstien is watching you too, and happy that you went to a shelter and found Edison! You have definitely fallen in love again! May you have many fond and happy memories of Einstein as you make new and wonderful memories with Edison! I am so happy for you! pat
Will you join us in may for American cancer society bark for life? I will send you all the info. Would be great way to honor Einstein. And sorry stealing my lil sis joy for that day too
Jen: Your event for the American Cancer Society is one I’ve never heard of. I look forward to hearing more about it. Einstein had no issues with cancer but plenty of humans do! As for Joy, she’s in charge of herself and will work out her schedule to suit her, I’m sure. -sloane
He’s so photogenic! Hope to see him at the store soon! What a cutie!
Sloane, Thanks for introducing Edison, your new love. Lucky dog!