Charlie is home!

pulliptears

We had a horrible last few weeks. My Dad died 5 years ago leaving Mum and her dog, a shih tzu called leo. Leo was 13 and had started to suffer terribly with arthritis, 2 weeks ago Mum took the awful decision to have him put to sleep and out of his constant pain. She was devastated. He's been her life since Dad died, she doted on him and her days were all for him - walking, grooming, even someone to talk to.
She's been very upset all week and I had tentatively broached the subject of another Pup but she was worried that at 76 she'd outlive the dog and then that it was too soon.

The change in her was enormous, she barely ate and had no reason to leave the house anymore. Even though Leo couldn't walk far she'd go on the front with him and actually speak to people, neighbours etc Well she's fit, very active and I promised if she couldn't look after a dog for whatever reason I would look after it for her. Today I took her to meet some little Shih Tzu's and this time next week she picks up this little fella, she's calling him Charlie...




Her mood has already improved, she's eaten more today than I've seen her eat in a week and she's happily planning for his arrival and how she's going to train him. She's off into town in the week to buy bits for him. It's like a huge cloud has been lifted.

(I WANT ONE!!!!)

scaredy_cat

when you live alone, even though you may have family nearby, a pet caqn give you a reason to get up in the morning.

when i was in my bad depression, my cat needing food was the only time i went out. if i hadn't had her, i think i would have easily hid away and not bothered.

pulliptears

scaredy_cat wrote: »

when you live alone, even though you may have family nearby, a pet caqn give you a reason to get up in the morning.

when i was in my bad depression, my cat needing food was the only time i went out. if i hadn't had her, i think i would have easily hid away and not bothered.

That was my worry Scaredy, she had reasons to do things and with him gone she stopped. I try and get over most days but the dog was still someone to talk to.

I think she was worried she was being disrespectful to Leo by jumping straight in as well, thankfully she listened to me when I said nobody would want to see her this upset.

harrys_nan

beautiful puppy, glad your mum is going to have him and just the thought of him has made a big difference to her.
I have a 15yr old dog who I know wont last too much longer, she has had a stroke and now has developed a heart murmer but even though I'm dreading the day, I know I will have another dog as I cannot imagine being without one.

Raksha

Leos legacy is that she still has love in her heart for another dog, its not disrespectful at all. Glad to hear she's planning the training as well.

ka7e

Charlie is gorgeous! I wish my Mum would have considered getting a dog when my Dad died. She gets terribly depressed, but loves fussing over my Ruby!

pulliptears

ka7e wrote: »

Charlie is gorgeous! I wish my Mum would have considered getting a dog when my Dad died. She gets terribly depressed, but loves fussing over my Ruby!

She had Leo before Dad passed, Dad actually chose him. Leo did keep her sane I think after Dad had gone because she still had to do things for him and couldn't just sink into a depression.

So sorry your Mum is feeling down

midnightraven3

aww look at his little face, you can just tell he will be a loyal little companion for your mum
and maybe a wee bit cheeky too:D
the beginning of a wonderful friendship

gettingready

Brilliant that you offered to take care of the little one in case... to give your mum the joy of having a dog and not having to worry about "what if".

I am not 76 (yet) but have no idea what would I do without my lot, honest. They are the reason one has to get up/do things even if one feels like staying in bed and never ever going out at all.

All the best xxx

unholyangel

pulliptears wrote: »

That was my worry Scaredy, she had reasons to do things and with him gone she stopped. I try and get over most days but the dog was still someone to talk to.

I think she was worried she was being disrespectful to Leo by jumping straight in as well, thankfully she listened to me when I said nobody would want to see her this upset.

As above, if anything its a tribute to Leo. A recognition that he provided your parents with companionship and happy memories.

The new puppy isnt going to replace Leo, they rarely do as dogs usually do have their own character. But the new puppy will help replace that companionship thats missing from her life now.

The great thing about dogs is that their love really is unconditional. Even when their owners treat them horrendously/abuse them, the dog still loves them. Which just makes the bad treatment all the more sickening imo

midnightraven3

i have a feeling the OP wont be needing to look after the little chap
your mum will be besotted within minutes and you wont get a look in:D