You may remember last October I had to have my 15-1/2 year old Bichon Frise, Susan, put to sleep. For the next five or six months it seemed I just went through the motions of living. The holidays were especially difficult. Being in a wheelchair full-time and living alone, my life was extremely depressing. Think that was the toughest time of my life so far, even worse than being diagnosed with MS.

By the end of the six months, I knew I wanted another dog, so started "spreading the word" through friends, vet, groomers, etc. My prayers were answered in May when a previous groomer, Zoomin Groomin that comes to the house with a self-contained grooming salon in her truck, heard of some people looking for a home for their two year old Bichon. A new baby in the house had brought out some jealousy issues! Plus they were GIVING her away!!

So.......Tasha is now part of my life and even though she has alot of that puppy energy left, my house feels like home again. We're working on some "manners" that she wasn't taught and trying to finish up the housebreaking. I basically have to train myself to take her out regularly. Have a ramp to get outside in my powerchair.

She's smaller than Susan who was about 20 lbs. Tasha is 11 lbs. Now that she was "shaved" except for her ears and plumey tail, she really seems small and everyone loves her. It's great when my grandkids come around to play with her -- as my groomer said, "A tired dog is a good dog"! I'm a believer!!! Think she may have some Maltese mixed in there somewhere since her hair isn't real curly like a Bichons, more wavy. At least she doesn't look like Susan, and enough time has passed so I'm not comparing the two.

Hopefully Tasha and I will live to around the same age since I don't think I could go through that horrible time again. She's the best therapy I could imagine!!

Hugs and puppy kisses to all........
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Congratulations Judy!!!

A new puppy!!! I am so happy to hear that your home is complete again.

Enjoy that precious little one and give her a hug from me!!

I Love Puppies!!!!! (Actually, I love all no matter what age or size!)


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Abbie

How absolutely wonderful Judy! I'm thrilled for you as I know what a horrible gap in your heart a pet leaves when they're no longer with you.

I love her name. Tasha reminds me of someone lovely and I'm sure your little one will be too. I can't wait to see some photos of her. Maybe you start an album in your profile, of photos of her as she grows?

Does she look anything like this little cutie?
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At two years old you may have to be persistant with your new love but it will be oh so worth it for you and new pet. I too would love to see pictures.

I'm happy for you as I know the sadness of losing a pet. They are so much more than just pets soon after we lay eyes on them. I will watch for updates.

(((Judy))) I am SO happy for you. Though our 'new' adoptions don't take away from the love we had for our sweet former pets, they sure do fill a void.

Tasha is a very lucky girl.
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Oh, and I hear what you are saying about getting another pet. I've thought about that myself. When does one get old enough that they start thinking they shouldn't get another? *shrugs because I sure don't know, but it has been on my mind a few times.

I have a kitten/cat, Gracie, who is just 1 year old in February. Annie and Chewie who are both about 7 years old. My senior citizen Tink, who is about 17 years old. And my Bruna doggy who was 4 on June 13.

I've pretty much decided no more new kitties.

Sorry for your loss. I know, they're more than pets, they're the best friends you can have sometimes. I will never stop missing Sophie.

But I love my boys too, not that they take her place, but they have a place in my heart too.

I think it's even cooler that you are giving a home to Tasha (who was displaced by a baby) instead of another pup. Hope you both have a lot of fun.


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I am SO happy to hear that you have got a new puppy, Judy!! He sounds absolutely adorable, please give him a cuddle and a pat from me.
Love,
Alison

Thank each one of you for your kind and encouraging words!!! Yes, she does look like the picture except with straighter hair! I love the graphics too! Both Bichons always stuck/stick their little butts up in the air when they're playing. I'm sorry I can't post pictures since I use an ancient web tv. I understand the newer versions are more like computers so perhaps down the road I'll get one that can send pics.

Tasha had an upset stomach today. She threw up quite a few times but thank goodness after the first time, it was just "liquid". Probably from all the nasty stuff she tries to eat -- bugs, pieces of carpet, small stones, etc. I never knew of a dog that ate carpeting before!! But I love her anyway. She seems better tonight and ate some plain dry Iams for small dogs, food.

I don't think we're ever too old to have pets. Figure if something happens to me, one of my adult kids would probably take her. My former elderly neighbor lost her toy poodle and after a few months got a new one. He was pretty wild, but gave my neighbor a new lease on life. She did pass away at age 89, but a good home was found for "Obie". The quiet times when Tasha loves to be cuddled are priceless, of course there are the ARGHH#^% times too, but the good outweighs the bad.

She brings purpose to my life again, living alone, and a reason to get up each day instead of letting this lousy disease get the best of me.
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Thanks again my fellow animal lovers. The world would be a sadder place without them. Tasha sends you all ksses......she's a quick one.....keep your mouth closed!! LOL!!!!