By Suzanne Sparrow Watson
“When you lose a dog, where does all that love go? The routine, the way they filled the quiet spaces in your day—what happens to all of it? They may be gone, but those feelings remain, lingering like a shadow searching for a place to settle.” Robert Drake, Dog People
There is nothing like the love of a dog. Who else loves so unconditionally, without expectation for anything in return except a warm lap, a long walk and meals (served on time)? When I sent Dash the Wonder Dog to Rainbow Bridge on December 5th, I knew it was the right thing to do for him, but it created a hole in my life that was almost unimaginable. Just 16 months after losing Alan, the loss of Dash rocked my world. For the first time in 50 years, I had no one to care for – no one who counted on me for anything. Dash died on a Thursday, and by Saturday night I realized that I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without a dog. And specifically, I wanted another Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. And, just to put a fine point on it, I wanted a puppy. I realized that getting a puppy at my age was a triumph of hope over practicality, so I researched articles about getting a dog later in life. Almost all recommended getting a senior dog – one who was housetrained and had grown out of the puppy stage. And let’s face it, one that won’t outlive you. But then I ran across an article from the WSJ: “It Was Crazy to Buy My Aging Mother a Puppy. It Was Also Brilliant.“, by Kathie Roiphe. In it, she recounts how the puppy energized her mom, lifted her spirits every day, and brought purpose to her life.
Bolstered by that piece, the following Monday I contacted Dash’s breeder, Kelly Collins of Spice Rack Cavaliers. She normally has a long waiting list of people who want her well-bred dogs, so I expected I would have to wait months, as we had for Dash. But such was not the case. Kelly told me that she had a litter due in two weeks and that I could have one of them. It felt like a gift from Heaven. Kelly said Alan and Dash would be happy I was opening my heart to a new dog, and I believe that. The puppies were born on December 19th, two boys and a girl. As luck would have it, I only live two miles from Kelly, and she asked me to watch them the following day for a couple of hours so she could fulfil a commitment. Holy smokes! How lucky could I get???
Over the next six weeks two more litters were born, and I got to watch over all of them several times. It was both fun and a blessing, as I got the know the personalities of the dogs in “my” litter. Late in January one of the boys came over to where I was standing and curled up on my shoe. I knew instantly that I’d found my guy. I had already picked out a name – Dashing Doolin, call name “Dooley”. The name is partly in tribute to Dash, and partly in memory of a fun town I visited in Ireland. Dooley has developed into a beautiful puppy, and I can tell he has already outstripped my IQ level. He was the first to learn how to get out of the pen and the first to navigate the dog door so that he could come and go as he pleased. But he is also wonderfully affectionate. One day as I was babysitting, I put all three of the puppies in their pen, with the door open. I sat on the couch around the corner and the next thing I knew, he was waddling over and asking to be lifted up onto the couch. Who could resist? He immediately cuddled up on my lap and then looked at me with quintessential “puppy dog eyes” (picture, left). I can assure you; no one has ever looked at me like that!
Last week I took all three of the puppies to Starbucks in a stroller. If you ever want to meet people, take three puppies to Starbucks. They were good as gold, and since then I have brought them home a couple of times for an afternoon of play. But today…today is THE day that I get to pick Dooley up and bring him home forever. He is already mostly housebroken and sleeps through the night. That said, he’s a puppy and will no doubt put me through my paces over the next several months. But in just the short time I’ve been with him he has already brought me joy and my heart is once again full of love. I couldn’t be happier. Welcome home, my sweet boy, Dooley!
Dogs provide the kind of love that finds you when you need it most, and somehow, without words, makes you whole again. Dog People
Hello Suzanne, Dooley is beautiful. His eyes are dreamy! We have Poppy, a Ruby Cavalier. Everyone here in the house pets her silky fur. I am so glad you found a new love! Bright days ahead! Alyce
Thanks, Alyce! I remember that you got a Cavalier – nothing like them! Now we have to work on discipline – mine!!! As you know, those Cavalier eyes are hard to resist!!
Beautifully written, Suzanne. I think this is a double win for you and little Dooley; so looking forward to meeting him❤️❤️
I can’t wait for you to meet him too, Pat. He’s a little love!
There is nothing like the love of a dog or cat to keep you on the move. Our cats keep me on the move most of the day. At night, my wife and I cannot move very much as the little critters hog the bed. It’s a small consolation for all the love they bring into our lives. We are truly blessed.
I agree, Burt. I ended up with Dooley in bed last night – he slept through the night, and I woke up to kisses on my nose. Not a bad way to start the day! They truly are blessings.
So wonderful to be so loved and to love. Such a beautiful reminder of unconditional love. What a happy day for you ❤️🐶❤️🐶❤️🐶.
Thanks, Blainey! Yes, I just melt when he looks at me. I am working on discipline!!!
I am thrilled for you & Dooley. He is one lucky pup & I know he will bring you much joy, laughter & maybe a few “memorable puppy experiences”. I am a firm believer that our pups find us in this world & together we learn & love. Congratulations my dear friend. Sasha & I are so happy for you two. 🐾♥️
Yes – we were meant to be together, no doubt. He’s been a little love so far – no accidents and no chewing. But then, it’s only day one!!! Thanks for your good wishes – they mean a lot. xoxo
Great article. First dog Brenda and I ever had was a Dachshund we got in el paso texas in fall of 1970 when I was in the army. We named him Dooley after Vince Dooley – football coach at Georgia
First of all, GREAT to hear from you! Hope all is well. I am old enough to remember Vince Dooley. I am hoping that means my Dooley loves college football as much as I do! Hope all is well with you and your family.
So happy and excited for you. As a dog lover, I adored what you wrote. Dooly is so lucky to have you as his mom. 🐶❤️
And he will be lucky to have Charley as his friend! Can’t wait to get them together!!
Oh, Suzanne, I couldn’t be happier for you… and for Dooly. You are blessed to have each other..
He is precious, just like Dash, the Wonder Dog!💛
Thanks, Janet. You, of all people, know just how special our animals are. So grateful for them every day!
Wooohooo!! Welcome sweet Dooley. 😍
He’s such a beautiful boy! I hope to meet him someday 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks, Jen! I hope he gets to meet you too – that would be very special. Turns out that his great-grandmother was RaeRae so he’s related to Dash and Riley! That means he’s extra special!! xo
I’m so happy for you!!! Can’t wait to meet him!💕
I can’t wait for you to meet him – he’s a bundle of energy but thankfully he also sleeps a lot!!! xo
Dooley is so adorable, just like Dash! So happy for you Suzanne! Love, Gayle
Thanks, Gayle! He is actually a distant cousin of Dash’s so I expect they will share a lot of traits! Hope to see you soon. xo
Suzanne Dooley is one handsome dude. You are both lucky to have found each other. Thank you for this post ~ my 90 year old mother recently had to help her dog over the Rainbow bridge and I was against a puppy for her but now need to reconsider that option for her.
Thanks, JJ! I sent you the article – it definitely is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun and joy! xo
Oh Suzanne, this warms my heart. I can’t wait to hear of your new exploits with this precious little puppy.
Love to you, Denise
Thanks, D! He really is such a little love. But he’s keeping me on my toes!!
Welcome home, Dooley🐶
Thanks, Sabra! He hopes to meet you soon!!
This post just absolutely made my day. It’s not just that you’re getting him, but he gets YOU!!! Congratulations to you both. xo
Hi Del! So good to hear from you. Thanks for your lovely comments – we are really enjoying each other so far! xo
Suzanne I am so so happy for you – Dooly is adorable and I know will fill your days with such love not to mention exercise! Enjoy the wonderful puppy stage it doesn’t last to long.
Deb
Thanks, Deb! So far, so good. But I have to say I’m getting my full day of exercise in about 4 hours!