On September 29, I lost my sidekick/shadow/favorite dog ever, Dobie. If I’m being honest, I’m still not over it and I have yet to go more than 2 days without crying. But I haven’t been the only one suffering. For weeks, Barkley has been doing this with a stuffed dog we put on the couch to make it feel like a second dog was there:
And my daughter’s been struggling as well. Watching her hurt hurts me.
So we had a discussion about getting another dog and while I certainly was in no rush, I agreed to entertain the idea. We talked about it and came up with these criteria: the dog had to come from a local rescue, couldn’t look anything like Dobie, and had to be free from a heart condition. I agreed to look online (I would not go to a shelter) and if a dog seemed to speak to me, I’d reach out to the rescue and learn what we needed to do.
And one did. And I did.
I put in the adoption application, traumatized my cat with an in-home mobile vet visit (which was a fucking nightmare that ending in my cat running away but at least she’s vaccinated now), and 3 weeks later, Elizabeth Warren came home with us. 
Yes, her formal name is Elizabeth Warren. After THAT Elizabeth Warren. Because she’s smart, capable, determined, strong, admirable, and despite her circumstances, she persisted. We call her Lizzy, though.
The facts: She’s 5, a puppy mill survivor, and while we’re not 100% sure of her breed, we think she’s some sort of Maltese mix. She’s tiny, quiet, trusting, loving, and absolutely the cuddliest little thing. Barkley is happy to have her around (even if he refuses to show it) and the cat has moved from hatred to indifference so we’re making huge progress.
Having her is like having a 5 year old puppy because, with her being used exclusively for breeding, she never learned how to be a dog. So we’re working on housetraining and walking on a leash and getting on a schedule and navigating stairs and socializing and playing with toys and everything you expect a 5 year old dog to know but she doesn’t because life in a breeding box doesn’t allow for that. It’s weird, getting used to teaching the basics again. It’s starting over but thus far, it’s absolutely worth it.
And she’s doing great! Housetraining has been easier than expected and she doesn’t even need to sleep in her crate at night. She has an affinity for blankets (which is great because I have them all over the house), will walk on a leash as long as Barkley is with her, walks up and down stairs when she thinks no one is looking, kind of likes riding in the car, is a little daredevil (she’ll eat from her food dish when it’s ON TOP OF her crate), super curious (she loves her reflection in the fireplace) and will play with anything that’s not actually a dog toy (ex., my apron strings, my phone, a rug, and stuffed matzoh from a toy Seder plate). She’s finally able to get a bath (yay!) and has her very first grooming appointment next month. She’ll also be attending doggie school early next year. And, fun fact, I’ve shown her videos of her namesake and she watches them VERY intently.
I know it seems fast (it was only 6 weeks from Dobie’s passing until Lizzy came home) but I know that no amount of time would be enough. I could wait 6 weeks or 6 months or 2 years, and it still wouldn’t seem right. But she’s fit right in and I see so much of Dobie in her and that’s comforting. I’m trying hard not to make her another rendition of him and letting her be her own quirky self but it’s hard sometimes. I know it’ll get easier, though, and I’m looking forward to that.
Also, if anyone knows of an online store or Etsy shop that sells custom dog clothes, please let me know or send me a link. I want to buy her a shirt.
Oh I love your new blog design! It looks so great!! Lizzy looks so sweet and I’m glad you found a dog that was the right fit at the right time. Sounds like she is already fitting right in 🙂
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She is beautiful!!! So glad she found a furrrever home with you 🙂
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Good God in heaven. Those words- exclusively used for breeding. Ugh. Thanks to the universe Lizzie is with all of you. I am totally convinced that the best way to heal your heart and bring more love in your life , is to find another furry kid. It’s a tribute to your furry that left their physical body. Their spirits are always with you. Souls are eternal. I’m so happy to read this. It fills my heart with joy. Happiest Thanksgiving ❣️
Oh, Lizzy! What a badass dollbaby! I’m so glad you guys opened your home to a rescue dog AND a mill dog survivor. (If I could I pull every single dog out of mills and burn them to the ground. Absolutely horrific places.) Yay for Lizzy learning to be a dog! She seems like the sweetest little thing. New family members are so exciting!! Congratulations!
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She looks just like she was meant to be there. I can’t imagine how anyone can run a puppy mill – it’s truly inconceivable to me that a person could do that to animals. Welcome to Lizzy and congratulations to you!
Congratulations on your new addition! She’s precious!
I agree that time is time and the more time wouldn’t make a whole lot of difference. I doubt I could ever have less than two dogs now.
Oooh, she’s just adorable! Hi Lizzy dog! 🙂
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Lizzie is just so precious and I’m so glad you were able to give her a forever home. It breaks my heart that she was suffering in a puppy mill, and I’m so glad she’ll get to spend the rest of her long, very long life, loved and able to be a dog! I love that Boots has moved to indifference, aka the normal cat default. 😀 I got Max too soon after Emeril passed away, but I couldn’t bear not having a feline in my home. So I completely understand both wanting/needing to grieve a bit longer and loving a new pet too. It takes a long time for the grief to fade but now when I think of Emeril, which I still do quite regularly, I mainly remember the good times. And that’s thanks to Max. I know Lizzie will do the same for you and your family
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Lizzy is so pretty! She sort of looks a little like Mac. He is a Maltese Poodle mix. You are right, there is no correct amount of time to bring in another pet after one passes. I still randomly cry over Gracie, a year and a half later. I love that you guys took in a puppy mill dog and you are giving her a wonderful life. Keep sharing her pictures, I cant get enough!
There is never an appropriate time so there’s no sense in waiting for one.
It is so weird to teach the basics again. Gus never learned them 12 years ago but I did attempt them.
Welcome to the fam Elizabeth Warren! She definitely needs a shirt. Mae was sporting her puppies not patriarchy shirt the other day.
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Your new blog layout looks awesome, btw — and congrats on Lizzy Warren (love her name, obviously). I’m sure it’s a crazy adjustment for all and she’s never going to replace your beloved pup but I’m glad she’s in a wonderful, caring home like yours… it makes me so sad thinking of these poor dogs not having a chance at a good life.
Congrats on the new addition. She looks like a tough cookie! 🙂
Tonya@Budget and the Beach recently posted…My Happy Place
There is such am empty hole in a family when a fur baby is lost – everyone feels it… & I always had an inner debate about when to get the next baby, but I think to fill that hole with more love for another baby that needs a home, that’s the best thing you can do …. for everyone. I always think, my baby that just left this world would WANT another dog to feel the love they did. Congrats on your new baby.
“I know it seems fast (it was only 6 weeks from Dobie’s passing until Lizzy came home) but I know that no amount of time would be enough. ”
After Phil, my greyhound passed, I knew that we’d adopt again and quickly. Teh German was the one who felt that it was too soon and I had to explain to him that adopting a new dog isn’t REPLACING Phil, but rescuing another dog who needs a furever home. It helped that our other dog has separation anxiety, so that worked in my favor of getting another dog.
Teh German later commented that adopting Pax, our 2nd greyhound, helped him heal from Phil’s passing. There are times that Pax reminds us of Phil, but Pax brings a different personality to our house and it’s fun. Change is hard, but I love when it works out like this.
Also, Elizabeth Warren is such a fantastic name!
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first, love the new blog design!
i just love her formal name 🙂 KC and I decided on Elizabeth a few years ago if we have a daughter, and it just so happens that Warren is our last name. It’s a bonus that there’s already a badass Elizabeth Warren I hope my (possible future) daughter will look up to.
i don’t think there’s ever a right time because we’ll always be sad about the pets that leave us. they don’t fill the hole left behind but take up new space. i know what you mean about looking nothing like Dobie though – i love golden retrievers but i am not sure i could ever get another one because it would feel too much like i was trying to replace my dog back home.
anywho. welcome to the family lizzy!
That first picture is so heartbreaking! I’m so sorry for your loss, but I’m glad you were able to welcome sweet Lizzy to the family 🙂
She looks like such a sweetheart.
You never get over the loss of a pet, it just gets a bit easier with the passage of time. It would break my heart seeing one of my two lay with stuffies if one of them passed…I can see why it broke your heart seeing Barkley lay with the stuffed animals.
I’m excited to see her blossom and come out of her shell a bit. Have fun with her. 🙂
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I love Lizzie already. Looks like you’ve found your perfect fit for your family.
My friend’s mom has an Etsy shop and makes custom bandanas for dogs — https://www.etsy.com/shop/JannieMaeCreations?ref=l2-shopheader-name§ion_id=17836921
Micah @ Unabashedly Me recently posted…This & That 11/16
THE CUTEST! I love her. No time is enough and no dog can replace Dobie, but I think they send you the one you need, to help you. My dog Caitlin sent me Hawkeye, Geege sent Bruce, and Dobie sent you Elizabeth Warren (and now I’m crying too.)
Ask Holly about dog shirts! http://www.cathairandglitterblog.com/ She has an etsy shop linked in her sidebar and she makes all kinds of things, year round (plus she’s animal obsessed) so I’m sure you can request anything you like.
She’s so precious! It really does take time to mourn a fur baby, and I don’t know if you ever really stop missing them. If we hadn’t had the girls I’m pretty sure that we would be moving on getting another dog sooner rather than later. But right now I don’t think that we could handle another dog or puppy plus two newborns!
OMG! I was so sorry to hear about Dobie, but so happy about Lizzy! How sad that you have to train her to do everything. That breaks my heart, but I’m so happy she has you guys!