Getting A Puppy After Losing Your Heart Dog

Finding your heart dog is one of the most profoundly beautiful things you can experience in this lifetime. It’s such an unexpected gift—wrapped in fur and tied with a poop-bag closing bow. Just when you think you have yourself all figured out, a dog finds you, cracks open the hard, real-world exterior you’ve worked so hard to build, and together (without even meaning to) you expose your hopes, dreams, and ambitions.

It’s a rollercoaster, a love like no other, a once-in-a-lifetime connection that opens up a portal to your soul. Sometimes it takes you back to your childhood self to breathe life back into old dreams, and in others it pushes you forward, forcing you to engage in life, live in the present, and actualize new goals and aspirations. The by-product of either path is a deep inner knowing that is often lost in the busy hustle-bustle of adult life… and, in that, you find yourself; you find home.

But time is a funny villain and eventually the thing that once built this magical connection, this bond you never knew you needed, then turns around and steals it away. And when you lose that dog—your heart dog, your everything—it’s like the world collapses around you.

You want to scream about the unfairness of it all: Why him? Why her? Why me? Why now? And you swear you will never open yourself up like that again. How could you? It’s not a bond that could EVER be duplicated or replaced. And you wonder how other people move on and get new dogs.

The short answer is: they don’t…

…At least not easily and sometimes not on purpose.

The reality is that the decision to get a puppy after losing your heart dog is a hard one, filled with doubt and mixed emotions. Maybe you feel like you’re ready, that you’ve given it time and embraced the grieving process. Or maybe the lingering sadness that you so desperately wish would go away remains, haunting you with every “on-this-day” memory that pops up on your iPhone.

More than likely—and depending on the day—it’s both.

Your Heart Dog And The Dog That Helps You Love Again

And as you cling to your other pets, or adopt friends or family’s pets as surrogates in the wake of your profound loss, there are just so many questions:

When IS the right time? Will a new dog make it better or worse? Am I betraying the memory of my heart dog? And if I do fall in love again—if that’s even possible—am I ready for the pain that accompanies the inevitable truth that the lifespan of a dog is eclipsed by human years? Can I go through that again?

But dogs are tricky: they find you when you least expect it (and often when you need it most). And as you contemplate the impossible decision of getting a new dog, that same “dog-magic” that brought you your heart dog starts to quietly buzz again.

Everyone has his or her own version of it. Some people think that a new puppy is a love letter from their heart dog—your dog’s way of softening your grief. Others think it’s a reincarnation of the same dog, sent back with a slightly different purpose and lesson.

But as you cling to the guilt you feel, beating yourself up for even considering that your heart dog could be replaced, a puppy “appears.” Maybe on a site, or someone sends you a link to a puppy with the note “I know you’re not ready, but…”

And at first you think, no, it’s not the right time.

“It’s not my puppy,” you tell yourself. “It’s meant for someone else.”

“But maybe…? In another lifetime… if only…”

Pretty soon you can’t stop thinking about it, that puppy… someone else’s puppy.

“It looks like a Charlie. Or a Lucy.”

"Is it a boy or a girl? It wouldn’t hurt to check…”

“The next pup doesn’t have to be like your heart dog, but if you’re lucky some of his/her traits will help you remember your dog in the best possible way.”

And as you start to read the stats, something in your heart shifts. At first, it’s painful, part of a series of emotions you’d carefully tucked away when you lost your heart dog. Followed by a twinge of guilt for pushing past the pain to even look. And finally on the back of that comes the excitement and sheer joy of possibly knowing the love of a dog again.

And maybe Charlie’s not yours, but the page that seemed so permanent, so stuck, starts to turn, making way for the story to begin again…

Dog magic.

The next pup doesn’t have to be like your heart dog, but if you’re lucky some of his/her traits will help you remember your dog in the best possible way, in a way you might not have without a nudge of remembrance from your new pup. And even if this isn’t the case, you’ll love your new puppy ridiculously, go on new adventures, and have new experiences you’ll never EVER regret.

And it’s okay to miss them, this magical mythical creature called a heart-dog. It’s okay to wish your dog back at any cost and feel like your loyalties are torn between past and present, then and now—to be willing to give up ANYTHING to mush all of your dog chapters together and have them all at once, layered on top of each other like a security blanket.

They are the dog that changed everything and the dog that came next—and that’s okay. They’re both part of the greater love story that exists when you allow your life and your heart to be transformed by the love of a dog.

And if it helps, just know a dog chose this life for you, this legacy of hair encrusted dinners, of muddy paws—of love.

And before you know it, you’re back in it… heart completely invested in this next chapter of your journey, the next 12 to 15 years of your life, bookended by the lifespan of a dog.

Learn About the Powers of The New Zealand Greenlipped Mussel

Do you have an older dog that’s slowing down, or is no longer able to participate in the activities they used to love like going for walks, running, or playing?  Research shows that 90% of older dogs have osteoarthritis in at least one joint, so that could be the reason your pup’s activities are more limited than they used to be. Many pet parents have tried prescription anti-inflammatories to treat arthritis symptoms, or have given their pet a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement, but find that their dog is still having problems.  If that’s the case, it might be time to try something different – Technyflex® Premium Joint Supplement with New Zealand Greenlipped Mussel

Greenlipped Mussel:  You’ve probably never heard of the New Zealand Greenlipped Mussel (GLM), which is a shame, because this little shellfish with the funny name is one of nature’s best-kept secrets for treating arthritis and improving joint health.  Greenlipped Mussels grow in the pristine ocean waters of New Zealand where they are exposed to abundant sunlight, which creates an array of healthy nutrients and enzymes.

Unique Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition:  The unique nutritional content of GLM includes special types of omega fatty acids,which are scientifically proven to inhibit and block inflammation pathways in the body, thus reducing pain and inflammation effectively and naturally.  These omega fatty acids have also been shown to have profound anti-inflammatory effects on other conditions such as stomach and intestinal inflammation, as well as contributing to eye health, brain function, and giving your dog’s coat a healthy sheen.  The GLM in Technyflex® also offers carbohydrates called glycosaminoglycans which help the collagen and elastin found in bones, tendons, and ligaments stay strong and flexible, make synovial fluid in joints better able to reduce friction during movement, and help regenerate cartilage and connective tissue. 

100% Greenlipped Mussel:  Greenlipped Mussel is the only ingredient in Technyflex® Premium Joint Supplement – there are no additives, preservatives, artificial flavors or colors, gluten, dairy, or soy.  Just 100% nutritional goodness from our non-GMO Greenlipped Mussels, so you can feel good about giving this supplement to your dog.  Technyflex® Canine is available in capsules or powder, and when given daily, can help your dog’s joint health and mobility improve significantly. 

Learn more about Technyflex® at www.newzealandsbest.com and use discount code MODERN to save 15% on any order. 

 

Loving & Losing a Senior Dog

In December of 2009 a large black dog ran past my house and into my pine forest. I pulled on boots and a coat and walked into the woods whistling for the black streak that had run past my window. The wind was howling and the tall pines were creaking. There was no dog. I turned to walk back to the house when out of the shadowy pines stepped a large black dog with a striking gray face. I spoke to him but he turned away. I started back to the house and he followed me. This was the beginning of my love affair with a big, old, black dog named Buck.

The dog that came into my home was extremely well mannered, got along with all my other dogs, and made himself very comfortable on my sofa but he was emaciated, his coat was dull, his muzzle and feet were gray. He looked really old. This was the very first and only dog that has ever shown up at my farm. How did he know I was a rescuer?

I put a “found” ad in the paper. It ran for a week. The very last day, I received a phone call: “I believe that you have my brother’s dog,” said the voice at the other end of the line. I found out that my dog’s name was Buck, that he was turning eleven January of 2010, and that his mother was an AKC Golden Retriever. I also found out that he was really no longer “wanted.”  “No problem,” I said. “I have a rescue. I will take him and find him a wonderful home!” 

Buck tested heartworm positive but after treatment he began to rally. He gained weight, his coat was shiny, and he was enjoying life again. I put forth a wholehearted effort to find him his very own home by taking beautiful pictures and posting him on Petfinder.com. I only wanted applications from perfect adopters—why should he settle for less? But one potential adopter didn’t have a fenced yard, this one didn’t like to go for walks, this one didn’t like to take their dog for rides in the car, another wouldn’t consider Buck’s raw diet, wouldn’t consider no longer vaccinating, wouldn’t consider a natural approach to fleas and on and on and on.

Six months later Buck was removed from Petfinder; he wasn’t going anywhere. He was going to live out every day of his life with me at his side, going to the barn every morning and evening, riding shotgun every chance he got, loving my grandchildren, sleeping at the side of my bed. For almost 11 years of Buck’s life no one took the time to look beneath the plain black exterior to see the perfect gem that is Buck. 

Summer, 2012, Buck began to lose weight and his blood work was not good. By the first week of August Buck could not make it to the barn with me, could no longer get on his favourite sofa, could not get in the truck; he seemed to be wasting away before my eyes. I knew from his piercing stare that I had learned to love, that had told me so many things about him, that he was asking me to release him.  On Friday, August 8th, 2012, on his favourite sofa at the farm he so loved, surrounded by his family, both two and four-legged, Buck crossed the rainbow bridge.  

Old, dignified, perfectly mannered, and forever with me—my dog Buck!

10 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog

It's always tough to watch your dog age. While getting older is fact of life, seeing your arthritic dog unable to move as easily, or unable to do the things they used to do all the time can be a sad situation. Not every condition is going to have a solution, but here are some ways that you can help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis in your elderly pup. 

#1 Slim down your elderly dog 

If your dog is overweight, commit to helping her slim down. Extra weight places extra strain on joints, worsening the pain of arthritis. Feeling guilty because your dog is looking longingly at her food bowl? Mix a little pumpkin (unsweetened, not canned) into her dinner; it’s healthy, low cal, and will help her feel full. We like both Fruitables' and Merrick's natural canned pumpkin for dogs.

#2 Gentle exercise to loosen your arthritic dog's joints 

Your dog absolutely still needs regular exercise—it is a must—to keep her moving and from stiffening up, just make sure it’s controlled, gentle, low impact, and short in duration. Try a dog treadmill, which allows for a slow walk at your dog’s desired pace (dogpacer.com)

#3 Ramps & pet steps 

Help your arthritic dog get up steps, on to a bed, or in and out of cars with a ramp or pet steps.

#4 Improved traction 

Arthritic dogs are less steady on their feet. Offer them stability with secure rugs for traction or a product like Dr. Buzby’s Toe Grips, which puts an end to slipping, sliding, and struggling, by providing instant traction for slipping senior, arthritic, or special needs pets. Made of a natural nonslip material, they grip the floor, keeping your dog steady and upright. (toegrips.com

#5 Canine massage 

Massage eases sore muscles, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress for both the giver and receiver. Plus, it’s a great for bonding and a wonderful way to check in with your older dog, enabling you to note any new lumps, bumps or sore places. For a canine massage how-to illustrating four techniques to help your dog rest, relax, and rejuvenate, go to moderndogmagazine.com/how-to-massage-your-dog

#6 Acupuncture

Yes, acupuncture. It’s not just for people. Veterinary acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory substances. Read about Editor-In-Chief Connie Wilson's experience with canine acupuncture with her dog Kaya here.

#7 CBD Oil 

CBD has been found to reduce inflammation which in return causes pain levels to deteriorate. We all want our pets to be active and healthy. Pain and inflammation can affect dogs tremendously, and CBD can give your dog the pain relief to start moving again. When your dog isn't feeling pain and exercising more, they'll build the muscles needed to naturally strengthen problem areas.The Dog Calming Bundle from naturecanpets.com helps to induce feelings of calmness and encourages rest. Learn more about what CBD is and how it can help your dog here.

#8 Sweet heat

Heating pads relieve aches. For a low-tech solution make your own DIY warmer in a jiffy; here’s how: fill a cotton tube sock or knee length sock with four cups of rice or whole corn (not popping corn!), then knot the end or tie it off with string or stitch it closed. Microwave it for a minute, and voilá, you’ve made your dog a heating pad! Or go high-tech for testimonial-backed results that go beyond soothing aches and pains. Canine Light Therapy pads use specific wavelengths of light for therapeutic and healing benefits including pain relief, muscle relaxation, stimulating acupuncture points, releasing trigger points, and healing injuries. (caninelighttherapy.com

#9 A comfy, supportive bed 

Give your dog a comfortable, supportive bed to ease his weary bones. A well-padded resting spot goes a long way. Heated beds like those available through khpet.com can also ease aches and pains. 

#10 Natural supplements

We asked Dr. Loridawn Gordon, a naturopathic veterinarian, for how to help dogs with arthritis naturally. Here’s what she had to say:

“Natural options to treat arthritis in dogs include devil’s claw, a herbal remedy that's prescribed to reduce inflammation and pain. It's often used when pets are diagnosed with arthritis, but it shouldn't be given if your pet is diabetic. Mild cases of arthritis respond well to vitamins C and E, as well as dl-phenylalanine. If the case is severe, adding sodium oxide dismutase, also known as SOD, can do the trick. This is an antioxidant that provides anti-inflammatory properties.

If you want to take an Ayurvedic approach to treating your pet's arthritis, you can try Boswellia and Ashwaganda. Both are anti-inflammatory herbs that provide relief of stiffness and pain by shrinking inflamed tissues down and increasing the blood supply to these areas in order to promote healing. Ashwaganda also helps generate energy while counteracting the negative effects of stress on the body.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also popular natural remedies that support healthy joints by enhancing the cartilage between the joints. These supplements can help halt the degeneration of the cartilage and help the body rebuild it.

Pau D’Arco is an herbal remedy that's known for relieving the pain caused by arthritis, which can promote mobility if your pet is having trouble getting around.

Turmeric is another commonly prescribed herbal remedy for animals suffering with arthritis because it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It's also a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the liver and protects against myriad diseases.”

Be sure to check with your vet to see which supplements are suitable for your dog. Some natural remedies can react with medications your dog may be on. 

 

For more supplements and CBD products that may help your aging pup, check out Modern Dog's e-store.

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