A new puppy!

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djd
djd Member Posts: 866
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
This year has gotten off to a horrible start. I was in wound care and finally had three surgeries (the last being a mastectomy w/o reconstruction) before the end of April. Our dog, a Bichon named Fritz, became very ill, very suddenly, and had to be put down on 2/2/07. Just five days later, my oldest brother was murdered by his wife. Then over Memorial Day weekend, my baby Sybil died.

If anyone had ever told me that my parents and I could survive this much pain in just a few months, I would have said they were crazy. But against all rational predictions, we are still alive and sane.

Tomorrow, my mom and I are flying to Chicago and renting a car to drive to southern Michigan to pick up an 8-week old Bichon pup, whom we have decided to name "Coco". We are so excited -- we have a pink collar and a pink leash and a pink carrier to put her in

The next thing we have to deal with is my SIL's murder trial and she's asserting "battered wife syndrome" as her defense. I am fearful of what the experience of a trial will do to my parents, but if they can survive what they've been through for the last three years, I think they can survive this.

And there's nothing like a puppy to warm your heart and make you smile, right?
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  • lizws
    lizws Member Posts: 1,892
    edited June 2007

    Awww I love puppies. Yes, they make you smile and warm your heart.

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited June 2007

    Awww, me, too. Nothing to warm your heart like a wee tougue lapping at your cheek.

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  • ijl
    ijl Member Posts: 897
    edited June 2007
    We have a big chocolate lab who is also named Coco. We are talking 90 pounds big. He could lose some weight
    Actually one of the funniest things I witnessed was this guy who came up to Coco and said that the dog needed to lose some weight. And the guy himself was easily 300 pounds
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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited June 2007
    Mmm-mm - puppy breath! Very therapeutic!

    Lisa
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  • Emelee26
    Emelee26 Member Posts: 569
    edited June 2007

    My kitty is named Cocoa..congrats!!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited June 2007
    Wow, what a horrendous year so far. I am so sorry for all your trauma! I hope the puppy puts a smile back in your family's hearts!

    Miss S
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  • saluki
    saluki Member Posts: 2,287
    edited June 2007
    How did I miss this. I'm so happy for you. Coco is going to be one spoiled pup. You can't help but spoil a Bichon and they are amazingly cute when they are small.

    If anything can put a smile on your faces I'm sure Coco will.
    I'm so glad you did this.

    Enjoy her.

    Love
    Susie
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  • Sierra
    Sierra Member Posts: 1,638
    edited June 2007
    Hi Donna<

    I wish you a safe and eventful trip
    with your Mom. This is exciting
    and enjoy your wee new addition.

    It certainly has been a tough year
    in your family. Sending good wishes
    for positive, new changes


    Hugs

    Sure do miss Sybil!
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  • NoH8
    NoH8 Member Posts: 2,726
    edited June 2007

    Congrats on Coco! I do hope there will be pictures to follow.

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  • lam
    lam Member Posts: 202
    edited June 2007
    Hi Donna,

    I am so sorry to hear about the horrific ordeal you and your family have been through. I love all dogs but as a Bichon owner I think that you are going to get the perfect puppy! They are such warm, soft bundles of joy - I hope that Coco brings you lots of comfort and love. Please post a pic when you can, would love to see her.

    Lots of hugs to you and Coco.
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  • KariLynn
    KariLynn Member Posts: 1,079
    edited June 2007
    Congrats on the puppy - we'll want pictures!!

    I'll keep you and your folks in my prayers and hope that SIL gets what she deserves (without you having to go down and deliver it!)

    ((hugs))
    Kari
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  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited June 2007
    HEY YOU, I live near southern Michigan. Can't wait to see pictures!!

    xo
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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited June 2007

    I am so sorry for all the heartache you and your family have been through. I will keep you all in my prayers. I hope you post pics of Coco. Puppy's breath is soooo sweet. And don't forget puppys feet smell like fritos!! lol

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  • saluki
    saluki Member Posts: 2,287
    edited June 2007

    I think Bichons always smell like Fritos, but then again maybe they don't know they grew out of puppydom.

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  • sflow
    sflow Member Posts: 297
    edited June 2007

    How cool! I had my big old dog put to sleep last August and had a hard time dealing with it. Had my bc dx in Oct, surgery in Nov and finished radiation in March and treated myself to a shelter puppy. She is wonderful and seems to always make everything okay!

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  • althea
    althea Member Posts: 1,595
    edited June 2007
    Puppies are too cute for words. Can't wait to see pics. More than anything, committing to this young precious bundle of love is a very life affirming choice. You have suffered way more than any person should have to endure. Just the bc should be enough heartache. I lost a furbaby also last september, and it felt like the flood that washed out the bridge. Enough already! I can't even imagine your traumatic loss of your brother.

    I just posted on a different thread about how I dealt with the anger and bitterness of my diagnosis. Part of it was seeking, and finding, joy in each and every day. You'll have a joy bundle in your puppy every day. Gotta love our furbabies. Congratulations on making such an important choice in your healing.
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  • threadbear
    threadbear Member Posts: 50
    edited June 2007

    Puppies are very theraputic! My 24 year old daughter just bought a Maltese puppy, so I now have a grand-dog! I, too, lost my fur baby about 2 years ago, a 14 year old silky terrier, so I have been having lots of fun this week! I think that Bichons are related to Maltese dogs, so I can tell you, they are Love Puppies!

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  • Toronto
    Toronto Member Posts: 118
    edited June 2007

    I never could decide which is cuter, puppies or kittens. Enjoy the pup, you need some joy.

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  • EachDay
    EachDay Member Posts: 400
    edited June 2007

    A puppy brings love, warmth and new beginnings. Focussing on the care and life of a new member of the family is healing. You've had too much loss and too much pain and sadness...no better way to move forward than to share your love.

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  • djd
    djd Member Posts: 866
    edited July 2007
    Breaking news: We have Coco!!

    Mom and I are in O'Hare airport, ready to bring her little bundle home. She is as cute as we imagined and of course a big hit with all puppy-lovers in the security line.

    Right now Mom's shopping (she's a gift-shopaholic) and Coco is sleeping in her little pink carrier next to me.

    Look for pictures here tomorrow

    As always, thanks for the kind words and thoughts!
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  • JoanofArdmore
    JoanofArdmore Member Posts: 1,012
    edited July 2007
    Donna--YAYYYYY!
    I just got back, and saw your thread.Congratulations on getting a sweeet new puppy.Thix is a PEREFECT cure for EVERYTHING that ails you!!Just a whiff of puppy breath is better than medicine!
    And the sweet tiny thing is sleeping in her little pink basket!Sweeeeet!
    Best of luck and happiness.You deserve it!
    Waiting for pix, j. XXXXX Coco!
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  • djd
    djd Member Posts: 866
    edited July 2007
    The breeder had two litters (11 pups total) at the same time, and seven of them were picked up by their new owners in the last two days. Coco apparently realized her number was up and tried to return to her remaining litter mates:

    image

    It was a 2 1/2 hour ride to the airport, so we stopped for a food and water break:

    image

    This is in the airport. She hated all the noise, but felt safe and secure in her little carrier:

    image


    This morning, after a good night's sleep:

    image

    Only need one word for this last one....

    Awwwwwwwwww....

    image
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  • saluki
    saluki Member Posts: 2,287
    edited July 2007
    You made my day!
    Awwwwwwwwwwwww............
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  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 7,969
    edited July 2007

    adorable.

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited July 2007
    Well, it looks like that poor dog is so ABUSED! hahahaha

    What a wonderful time and what a gorgeous dog and I can't imagine how a dog could be more loved and cherished.

    I am happy this sweet little thing has moved into your life and into your heart.

    My prayers are with all of your family as you face this miserable trial. Sighhh, so hard.

    Gentle hugs, Shirlann
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  • Sachi
    Sachi Member Posts: 351
    edited July 2007
    Coco is so cute!! I'm so glad you have her and she is brightening your days. I read the thread about your horrible year. I am so sorry! That is so much for anyone to have to go through! Enjoy your sweet little puppy.

    B
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  • Toronto
    Toronto Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2007

    Too too cute. Take lots of pictures.

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  • lam
    lam Member Posts: 202
    edited July 2007
    Thanks for posting the pics! Makes me want to go out and get another Bichon myself. I always laugh at us Bichon owners - we buy the most "furniture" for our little fur balls. My guy, Tofu, has a sofa, a sun lounger, 2 outdoor beds, 3 beds in the house... Bottom line is he doesn't do floors! Hope Coco settles in soon, I'm sure she already owns your heart. I echo Shirlann's words re the trial, my prayers are with you and your family as you go through this tough time.

    Hugs,
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  • KariLynn
    KariLynn Member Posts: 1,079
    edited July 2007

    Awwwwwww. Very cute.

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  • althea
    althea Member Posts: 1,595
    edited July 2007

    Coco is too cute for words! Enjoy your little bundle of love

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