I’ve been having some issues the past few months. I’ve had another cancer scare (and I’m still not real sure where I stand – we are “watching” things) and I’ve been dealing with some depression (go figure!). My youngest son graduated from Kent State University on May 9th and he headed off to his “real world” job at Walt Disney World on May 19th. 1,007 miles away.
It’s not like he was home much, he worked a lot and went to school full-time so I usually only saw him for a few minutes in the morning and sometimes before I went to bed at night. If he had late classes sometimes we would have lunch together.
But suddenly the house seemed so much quieter. And I hated it.
It was the final bird leaving the nest and flying far, far away.
I knew it was coming, in fact, I’d been dreading it since I found out where he was going to work. I’d never tell him I didn’t want him to leave because no mom would want to keep her child from fulfilling his/her dreams. But man, it was tough to be excited for him too.
It’s been a difficult 18 months around here.
I had been toying around with the idea of adding another dog to our family for several months and this seemed like the right time. Have you ever noticed that women our age tend to take on pets when we suddenly find ourselves home alone a lot?
Anyway, I found the sweetest little Pomeranian and Poodle Mix. I’ve named her Poppy.
I have days where I wonder, “What the F was I thinking?” and I’m more than a tiny bit tired of this whole house breaking thing. But I have to say that she has been quite entertaining. It’s also nice to have something to look after. I guess that nurturing thing never quite goes away for some of us.
She is smart and rambunctious and more than a little stubborn, She’s not much of a cuddle-bug but then, it’s too hot to cuddle anyone or anything right now. Maybe her mood will change in the winter?
She and my Miniature Schnauzer Holly have gotten to be quite the buddies and I think it has done Holly a world of good to have a friend to play with. Their romping and running has added a bit more noise to this too quiet house and that makes me feel better.
Sorry to hear about the cancer scare, Vicki. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way. Glad you find the right addition to your family. Poppy is adorable!
Thank you Reese. xoxo
I’m glad that Holly accepted Poppy. I’m pretty sure that Liam would not take it well if I got another baby. He’s sure he’s the only baby I need. He’s definitely less snuggle in the summer so maybe Poppy will snuggle more once fall starts.
Are you able to go to Disney World? Take advantage of the castmember connection!
I’m hoping to get down to FL this winter some time Cynthia.
My Holly is a snuggler so if Poppy isn’t I’ll at least have one pup to snuggle with. 🙂
Just look at what you’ve done Vicki! I see people making new friends! I know you’re going to love having Poppy around. I have two rescued Shih-Tzus, Rusty and Buddy and they have been heaven sent to me. They stick right with me when I’m recovering from a surgery, sick or just having a plain ole’ day. I love them dearly and I don’t what I’d do without them. I have two sons who are not living close to home right now and they tend to fill the void. Wishing you all the best with your new dog and of course with all of your health issues.
Thank you Barbara! Holly was a super nurse while I was in treatment. I don’t know what I would have done without her.
XOXO V
Empty-Nester times 2 for me. I learned when the first one left home that I would suffer with “abandonment” issues when the second one left as well. Why I adopted 2 little Toy Fox Terriers, Finn and Echo. They were the distraction needed to avoid depression when my youngest daughter began her “independence” walk; now living in Washington state. My need to nurture is strong and having a reason to get up every morning, keep the house clean, spend time outside, etc… is like when I had two-legged children at home.
I must admit, I despise the housebreaking period. Having linoleum in the kitchen/laundry area was a major plus. We cordoned off that area until the puppies mastered the pee-pad and its location. Then we let them roam the carpeted areas while supervised. I established an evening playtime, so my husband could enjoy them after work. This was also cuddle time on the couch however, I was always picking them up for cuddles and body massages throughout the day. Today they look for it – expect it.
I am now ruled by two more TFT’s; rescued/re-homed for various reasons. Also, I’m owned by two finches and four cats. Only one cat was mine when Finn and Echo arrived, then my youngest child rescued one and adopted two more cats while living one town over. When she had to move back home they came along. As it is for young people, life priorities changed and she could no longer keep her family and move on… hubby and I took them on. FYI: she’s hoping to return to pick up her family once settled in Washington.
I am at my furbaby limit, but don’t regret having this many to care for. With my chronic pain and fatigue, they are a healthy distraction; better than drugs or alcohol, for sure. In the future, I’ll stick with rescuing adult dogs and cats, since kittens and puppies possess too much energy for me. *LOL* And with a chronic illness depression lurks around every corner, so these little beings keep me positive as well as active.
Overall, they force me to maintain a “silver-lining” approach to my new lifestyle.
Well then Pamela I guess I’m an empty nester x 4! 🙂
It got harder and harder as each one of them left home.
She is getting better at the housebreaking thing. Slow but sure. The vet says a couple of more months yet.
I’m glad you have your fur babies to keep you motivated. Now that I’m finding more energy I need to get outside with mine more.
xoxo
Vicki
I know Poppy will bring you much joy. Hang in there with the housecleaning thing. She will get the hang of it soon. My beloved Boston Terrier mix that I lost a couple of months ago was my companion of 12+ years. I adopted her during a very dark and difficult time o in my life apps I had just had major back surgery and a MRSA staph infection in my incision that almost killed me. All this while my husband wasp cheating on me and turned out to be a horrible person. My daughter wasp in her senior year of high school and I could barely function. Anyway, my point is…a dog can be a wonderful addition to your life. Especially when you are facing unpleasantness and an empty house. Years later, my daughter graduated with her Master’s degree and met the love of her life and moved out. My furbaby, Miney walls still here with me then. I miss her everyday and plan on adopting another furbaby from our local shelter. Love that sweet Poppy and she will come around. I am caring for my son in law’s dog, Vinny now. He never got along with their pug so I took him home. He was never a cuddled but since being here with me. He has started getting in bed with me and cuddling every night.
If you need an ear or a shoulder, you can pm me or leave me a message and I will answer you ASAP. I, too am an empty nester fellow crafter and mother of a son and daughter and a Grandmother of 1. But sometimes it would be nice to have a friend to chat with. I am here if you need me! Hugs! Prayers headed your way !
Hello Rita,
I hope you adopt your new companion soon. Maybe keep your son-in-law’s dog since he’s adapted to you. *LOL* Just an idea…
I’m a crafter, empty-nester of two daughters, with one granddaughter, too. I’m open for a chat so maybe we could schedule some time on a chat site. Any ideas on where we could do this? Even exchanging emails, if that’s more to everyone’s liking. 🙂
Hi Rita,
I’m so sorry you lost your beloved Miney.
What a dark and difficult time you had. I’m glad that things are better for you now and that you have a new companion.
This empty nest thing takes some getting used to doesn’t it?
Thanks for the love.
xoxo
Vicki