Happy Pet Blog

My Nikki & Benny. And, My Wonderful Dukie!

We had 3 dogs in our home. I nickname it MyDogHouse.

- A 14 year old black lab, Dukie, blind for 13 years - A Poem For Dukie

- A 7 year old black lab, Benny ( St John Therapy Dog), - A Poem For Benny- and a

- 4 year old golden retriever , Nikki (A “Therapeutic Paws” Therapy Dog).

In Late October I had to put my Benny to sleep; he had thyroid cancer. This was totally unexpected. It went so quick I am still in shock over this. This hit me like a kick in the stomach.

Yesterday, I had to put my Dukie to sleep. We knew this was coming. He was old. But, age makes it hurt no less!

After Benny left us, Nikki went into a very deep depression. They were best of playmates and did everything together, including visiting the elderly. She drew ever closer to her Dukie. But, we knew that Dukie would also leave us very soon.

So, we decided to bring a new dog into the house BEFORE Dukie left us. That way, Nikki could get bonded with the new dog before losing her Dukie.

We picked one out at the Humane Society - The Pound. Her name is “Shorty”, she is a 3 year old black lab. This is another long story in itself. But, I am happy to say that both Shorty and Nikki bonded by the time my Dukie left us.

Bringing a dog into the home, especially an adopted dog, always brings issues with it. But, they are solvable issues.

It is an exciting moment when you bring a new dog into your home. A little scary, depending on the circumstances. It is a happy moment, a new moment in time, but, it is also stressful, especially if there is another dog in the home already.

I will share moments of loss, of bonding of fighting and of love in future articles.

Our new “Shorty” will not only be Nikki’s friend and playmate, but also a “service” type dog for my husband, who has advanced MS.

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