One year ago today, C.J. and I were preparing to say goodbye to our beloved Weimaraner Shadow. C.J. and I camped in the living room with Shadow that sad Friday night and together we watched "All Dogs Go to Heaven." On Saturday, September 19, 2009 we kissed her good bye and held her close as she passed to the Rainbow Bridge. Shadow had a form of cancer that when it was cut open to biospy it spread quickly through her body. We were not prepared to say goodbye and it all happened so quickly. Now it has been nearly a year - Where did those 364 1/2 days go? The months after her passing were very painful and it was hard to explain to people the pain I felt from losing her. Only other animal lovers who have lost pets were able to understand. Those who only had backyard pets or no pets, did not get the pain and grief I experienced from choosing to end Shadow's life, because we had no other options. The feelings were so fresh and an empty house after work brought so much pain. No need to feed and water in the morning, no poo to remind C.J. to pick up, no stuffing to pick up from the floor after Shadow destroyed her newest stuffed toy she picked out at PetsMart.
Little did I know, one year later I would be celebrating Shadow's memory with another Weimaraner. However, before the next Weim came into my life, in January 2010 I rescued a Chinese Crested/Terrier Mix who I named Lucy. She now lives happily ever after with my parents. I am glad I was able to rescue this Senior who was in dire need of medical care and dental work. I rescued her, because it was the right thing to do, but my heart still belonged to the Weim breed.
Indigo Wrigley found me via Northern CA Weim Rescue with some encouragement from C.J. - All the stars must have been in alignment the day we picked up Indigo from San Jose to transport her to a foster home in Stockton. C.J. had expressed he was not ready for a new dog yet (Lucy was only my dog) and we made a stop in Stockton to drop Indigo off at her planned foster home. However, she did not stay there, she came to Sacramento with us. C.J. suggested we do a trial run and see how she fit into our household with our 3 cats. We had some barriers to work through, but C.J. and Indigo quickly bonded. C.J. now says, "he picked out Indigo for me." Lucy moved in with my parents shortly after Indigo moved in and Lucy was attacked by one of the cats. Indigo is not Shadow at all, they are very different both with pros and cons. I just wish I could have experienced them both at the same time. However, they do have similarities: Senior, Petite, Medical Issues, Bad Hips, Arthritis, Big Vet Bills and even BIGGER love bugs! Some of these items frighten me and make me nervous to love Indigo, I know she will not be with us forever and she will most likely meet Shadow at the Rainbow Bridge, before I do. BUT I honestly believe Shadow sent Indigo to me to teach me it is okay to love again and to remind me why I rescue senior pets. The saying goes: "Live like it's your last day on earth, LOVE like you've never been hurt and DANCE like nobody's watching" Indigo and Shadow have reinforced this saying in my life. I believe both have brought me joy I would not have known otherwise and both have taught me how to tackle the unknown, survive what you can not change and appreciate each day you have. I know Shadow has helped me become a better person and Indigo is benefiting from all the love Shadow shared with me. I hope to pass this love along to Indigo. I intend to always provide a home to an animal in need as long as I have the space and resources to do so.
Miss you Shadow and I am looking forward to many more memories with Indigo Wrigley, so she can one day share her memories with Shadow!
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