return to top

I am sixteen going on seventeen...

A New Beginning

Well, Jim and I went to LA this past weekend and checked out some breeders. I wasn't sure I was ready, but I miss having a dog so much, I had to see if I was ready and how horrible would it be to see a bunch of cute puppies!
After visiting three breeders, we had to make a choice. I don't know if any of you have ever seen a wheaten puppy, but they are the cutest puppies around. There were two available and one was a very fat, prococious male. I LOVED HIM, but the more we talked about it, the more I realized that as cute as he was, he was going to be the dominant one in the pack, the largest and the most active. I lived in a very small condo, and an active wheaten pup needs room to play. When I got Simon, I had that room. I don't anymore. It was a tough decision to make. I also thought that if I get another wheaten, I may start comparing him to Simon. So, we decided against the other available wheatens. :(
Luckily, we also saw some adorable scottish terriers. I dont' know a lot about scotties, except that if I had a second favorite breed it would be the scottie. They're smaller, less active and also hypoallergenic like the wheaten is. (I have horrible allergies). So, in the end, we decided to get an adorable scottie pup. He arrives friday. He was the most moderatly tempered pup; not dominant; not submissive and VERY CUTE. We also loved the mother, who was very well behaved and even tempered.

So, we will have a new addition to our family in a few days and Simon's legacy will continue. He will never be forgotten.

One Month Mark

Well today marks one month since I lost Simon. I have good days and bad days, mostly bad days. I still feel very sad all the time. It's pretty obvious to those that know me. I try to put on a good face, but its hard.

I look through Simon's pictures daily. I light his candle almost every night. His presence is so missed, I can't even put it into words. The apartment seems so empty without him. Thank god I have Jim. He has helped me through it, but its still hard. I feel a part of me has died. I'm very thankful to Dogster. You guys can relate and completely understand where I am coming from. That dog was so loved and is so missed. He was so special.

I know that I was lucky to have had him for sixteen years, but it doesn't make the loss any easier. Thank you all for your kind words and support. BTW-- Does anyone know how to add music to a profile? I've tried and can't figure it out.

Clive, Simon's Dad.

Remembering Simon

Well its been two weeks since I lost Simon. Its been a hard road. I got his urn yesterday and set up a shrine for him. Jim thought it best to remove his stuff, but there were a few items I just couldn't bear getting rid of. I set up his urn on his little bed along with his raincoat, his leash, his collar, a photo album I compiled of him, a few books I wrote about him and a candle I'm lighting every night in his honor. We put up pictures from our photo shoot that I look at every night. I stayed at Jim's house for about a week and a half. I couldn't bear to be at my place. It seemed so empty; so quiet.

I went to a support group at the SPCA last tuesday. It seemed to help a bit. It made me appreciate that I had him for so long and that we were able to spend some good quality time with him the last three months as we were anticipating this. Some owners lost their dogs suddenly and tragically without having to say "Goodbye". I was able to do that. Still, it doesn't make it any easier. I just miss my friend.

I miss the rustling in the middle of the night. I miss making my way to the bathroom at night making sure I don't step on the fur ball on the floor. I miss being careful not to make too loud a noise when I open up a can of soda. It always startled him. I miss my routine I had for sixteen years. Waking up, getting ready for work, taking him out for a walk. Getting home from work, him greeting me at the door, taking him out for his afternoon walk. Taking him to the dog park where he would rarely socialize with other dogs, but just be content sniffing around by himself.

Life just isn't the same. I miss my friend. I've been surfing websites on wheaton puppies. I'm going to LA in October to visit my sister and plan to visit a wheaton ranch. There is a new litter of wheatons that just hatched! Is it too soon to consider this? Or should I allow myself to grieve for him a bit longer. Or should I consider another breed altogether?

I just miss my friend.

Simon's Dad,
Clive