“There is something to be said about the dog that comes after the loss of your first heart dog. They come into it never realizing the shoes they have to fill, or the heart that they’ll have to mend. But you learn to love them for themselves, because you know your heart dog would have wanted that. And that’s why they sent you the one they knew you needed.”
I knew I would adopt again. I didn’t know when. Some of you encouraged me to do it sooner rather than later. I wasn’t sure until I was. The first weeks without Murphy were the worst. I would wake up in the middle of the night and reach over for him and he wasn’t there. I would get up in the morning and go into the kitchen to fix his water bowl and realize he didn’t need water anymore. The tears were endless, and the smiles were empty. Walks were quicker, but boring. All of the expressions of love and kindness helped so much (and so much ugly crying).
And then one Sunday morning I awoke with a sense of gratitude rather than grief. I had 13 and a half years with my precious boy. How lucky was I? And I knew for sure that one of the many gifts he gave me was the space in my heart to love again.
I reached out to Tzus and Mews rescue, a rescue based in Houston that I have followed for several years. They take on dogs that others might not, and they socialize the dogs and get to know the dogs very well before they match them with their forever home. And it was through them that I met the pet communicator who helped me so much with Murphy’s transition. Murphy was lightning in a bottle, and I knew I needed to take care with my next match to make sure that we were right for each other. I knew this rescue had multiple dogs who pulled at my heart strings long distance and the time might be good.
When I talked with Lucretia, the founder of the rescue, she got it and me immediately. And she mentioned a dog that I had followed, but never considered as an option, Lacie. Lacie was literally broken when Lucretia rescued her. About a year old, she was surrendered for euthanasia after being hit by a car. She had two broken legs, a broken hip, a torn ACL. After her first two surgeries they found that the eight-pound fighter was pregnant. She had a C section and delivered five teeny puppies. Between Lacie and Lucretia, all five survived. She was, in the words of my sister, “a badass.” And she was tired of raising puppies and ready to find a forever home where she could be the busy princess she deserved to be.
Once Lucretia mentioned her, I could not get her off my mind. And Murphy sent word that she was the one. So last weekend, I flew to Houston to visit the rescue and bring her home.
I believe she knew me immediately and I was so happy to see her in person.
I spent 24 hours snuggling puppies and it was glorious. Except for when a rave broke out when I was briefly left alone for the evening with the pups. Clearly, I’m not the alpha I thought I was. Edward holds that spot at the rescue when Mama Lucretia steps away, and he totally disrespected my authority. It was hilarious (and humiliating).
Edward looks innocent. He is not.
Collectively we decided that Lacie needed a new name for her new life. It was important to me that the name have a connection to Murphy’s name but suit her. We landed on Brianna, an Irish name that means, “strong, powerful and noble.” She is all those things. And she started responding to it immediately.
She had a great flight home (thank you calming essential oils) and a good introduction to her new home. She is exploring her new world with great energy, and I am being reminded of what is like to be mom to a young, active, inquisitive dog. Which, unfortunately, led to an earlier than expected visit to Long Animal Hospital. (Everyone is fine.)
Bri is ready to go. Doesn’t meet a stranger big or small, human, canine or feline. She has a cute little whine if she feels that she isn’t being seen. And she is flat out offended if you aren’t entranced by her. She’s currently on her first trip to Clemson (get used to it girly).
She is the perfect little Texas Rose (yellow of course -- IYKYK) to heal my broken heart. Her coloring reminds me of Murphy’s, but she is so different from him. She’s almost half his size. She likes to get dressed up, rather than just tolerating it. She likes to snuggle, rather than just tolerating it. She does not have his goofy side (yet). But they have the most important things in common – they are calm, ready to go, eager to explore, and they embrace the world, especially when they are being adored (I willingly accept that assignment.).
I’m so grateful to Murphy for growing my heart and to Brianna for slipping into it with ease. Life is better with a four-legged friend. Let the adventures begin anew.