Ever since my father passed away, his wife has continued to have a hard time, and her only real comfort has been her sweet little doggie. Well, that little doggie died today (aged 12). She has (understandably) filled her Facebook feed with photos of the doggie. I called her as soon as I saw the news and she sobbed uncontrollably the entire time we were on the phone. (She lives about a 15 hour drive from me, so a quick visit isn't an option). My heart is breaking for her, I know it's hard to lose a pet, but I think however hard it is for most folks, multiple that by a hundred for her.

At the same time, literally, because both of these things happened today around 4pm, my brother and his family just brought home two new puppies, and they have (understandably) filled up their Facebook feed with photos of the two puppies.

The timing seems cruel. I know the two things aren't connected, but I am thinking that this will make it even harder on her. If there were no FB, she wouldn't hear about their puppies for a few days, and she wouldn't risk inadvertently seeing their happy photos when she goes online looking for a little solace or comfort.

It also feels somehow uncomfortable to write condolences on one FB wall post, with the sad-tear-face, and congrats on another with the heart mark.

An odd reality in our modern, online lives.

I’m ery sorry to hear that your Mom lost her dog. It’s such a difficult thing to go through.

They just don’t live long enough.

Maybe the pics of the puppies will inspire her to get another dog. Its really the only cure for the loss of a pet.

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Maybe the pics of the puppies will inspire her to get another dog.

I hope that’s the effect they have! I’m not going to say anything yet, but when it seems like a good time, I’ll bring it up. That’s probably something I will need to be super gentle about.

And yes, Steve, they don’t live long enough.

(Also, not a big deal but this isn’t my mother, it’s my father’s wife).

Hugs.

I like what a friend said after she lost a beloved dog companion. she took some time to grieve her loss and ultimately decided to welcome another dog into her home.

“I think I’m a good dog mom and I owe it to another dog to give it a loving home. Shouldn’t let a good skill set go to waste!”

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“I think I’m a good dog mom and I owe it to another dog to give it a loving home. Shouldn’t let a good skill set go to waste!”

I really like that!! I will keep it in my pocket and try to find the right time to tell her that!