Sunday, July 20, 2014

A Dog Grieves Too



Ziggy is getting more spoiled.

Ziggy wants to be by my side. He used to always be by my husband's side. He objects if I put curlers in my hair because he thinks this means I will be leaving the house. He has studied me and doesn't like those curlers. Come to think of it, my late husband didn't like me in curlers either.

Ziggy sleeps with me in a twin bed whereas he used to sleep with hubby and I in a king-sized bed before the hospital bed came into the bedroom.

Ziggy needs a little variety in his doggy life, I thought. He has been outside in the fenced backyard for years while I took care of my husband. He has yet to go on a walk with me. He doesn't own a harness and a leash to walk me with. It seems to me that dogs walk their owners.

So I needed to get out of the house. We went to Pet Smart and for the first time Ziggy got to go in a store. He peed there by a shelf and I pointed this out to an employee.

His vocabulary includes the C A T word. and we went to look at the kitties and cats at Pet Smart. No match. As a matter of fact if you say "cat", Ziggy will want to go out to the backyard and chase that cat.

From an excellent selection at Plant City's Pet Smart,  I bought us two items--the harness and the leash.

He took very well to the harness and the leash and we walked around a small retention pond on the concrete path. There was another dog there walking its owner and Ziggy realized this is just what happens. We passed some ducks and he left them alone. He trudged on until we found my car.

Widows have to forge a new life also to deal with the reality of no longer being a couple. Meanwhile Ziggy is snoring on the floor by me. So glad I have Ziggy and I guess that is why I am spoiling him now. Ziggy is part of my therapy.

12 comments:

  1. Dogs are EXCELLENT therapy. Mine are wonderful when I'm stressed, I divert my attention to them to relieve my stress.

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    1. They do love unconditionally, unlike some people we know, don't they!!!

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  2. Romeo has been a joy for me. Having him greeting me when I come home has been therapeutic for me.

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    1. Yep, I think every widow needs a pet. Glad you have Romeo, Kathy.

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  3. I truly do agree with you, Carol, dogs do grieve. My BIL and SIL just last week had to put one of their dogs down (they had two). When they got back from the vet, the other dog smelled the dog's collar and leash and went under the kitchen table. He did not come out that evening, despite coaxing to get something to eat or go outside to the bathroom. Went out the next day but the minute he went outside, he wanted right back in, right under the table. Haven't heard how he is adapting since, but yes, they do grieve.

    Koda pines away for my hubby when he is not doing his usual schedule.

    I am sure you and Ziggy will continue to be the best of friends and forge your own friendship with each other.

    betty

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    1. Ziggy saw my hubby taken out of the house by the funeral directors when he died and licked his cold face even as I kissed his cold face.

      But I do think I need to give him walks around our abundance lakes and ponds here in Florida. Gets me out and gives him a new experience where we can bond.

      I love reading about your adventures with Koda on your blog, Betty.

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  4. So glad you have each other. I have 2 dogs here that are my company and protection when hubby is off at work . (he stays up there til the weekends) They will not go to bed if I am out; and do not like me leaving either. dogs are creatures of habit--so ifyou start to walk him--he won't let you forget. :)

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    1. They get those habits easily, don't they! Ziggy expects treats--he remembers he needs a Greenie when I come home and when we go to bed. I should take him out on a walk today.

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  5. Replies
    1. Alison,
      Blogging is a satisfying way to develop thoughts. I started at the end of 2008 and continued on. The blog took turns and twists, some humor, some reflection, and above all the memories of the last half of my 14 year marriage.
      Hugs,
      Carol

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  6. I've avoided reading this post because I knew once I read the caption and looked at the picture of your dog that I was going to cry. I decided to comment instead of reading to let you know I have been by to visit. I pray for you often!

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    1. What's wrong with crying, Georgene. It is part of grief. It is only in heaven when there will be no more tears or death. Thanks for your prayers, dear friend, and I can understand not wanting to deal with the subject.

      Love you.

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