Sunday, April 26, 2009

A Loyal and True Friend

When you bring a pet into your home you know you are going to love it. But what isn't realized sometimes is just how much. They become part of your family. You count on them to always be there, tail wagging, welcoming you home. Supplying you with that unconditional love even when you are crabby and have had the worst day. They can look at you with those brown eyes and easily change all that is bad to good. There is just something about that kind of love. And the best part is that as much as you love them they love you back twice as much. We had a bit of sadness in our family this week as we lost our beloved friend, Lucy. Her illness just didn't allow us to care for her any longer. Let me just say that it was the hardest decision that I have ever made. Her gentleness and meekness made her so special and loved by our whole family. I find myself missing her so much. I can still hear her tail wagging as it hit the wall beside her bed. I find myself still calling her name to offer her a treat. She followed me everywhere and I will truly miss her companionship.

Not that there is any good time for this kind of sadness, but it was especially hard for our family as today is Alex's 18th Birthday. We had been asking him for some time what he would like for this milestone birthday but he was always unsure. In light of this recent situation we thought it might be a good time to invite another puppy into our home. When we discussed it with Alex, his response was "That would be sweet". To interpret for those of you who don't understand the language of an 18 year old, that is a good thing. So we did some investigating and here is the newest member of our family.....

Athena Velvet Buttons

What a name huh???? Well seeing that our last name is Panormios (very Greek) we decided that it would be only fitting to have a matching first name. As for the Velvet Buttons, that addition was the contribution from the little girls I babysit. They too were having such a difficult time with losing Lucy that we thought it might be fun to include them on the naming of the new puppy. It worked---they love her too. Athena is a 7 week old, full breed beagle pup and I know from growing up with a beagle I have a lot of work ahead of me. But how could I not love this sweet little face?
Although I love this little darling so much already, there will always be that special place in my heart that belongs only to Lucy ......and it always will.
**********A LITTLE EDIT TO THE ABOVE POST***********
After spending the day with family and watching the puppy interact with family members and their dogs we have decided to have a slight name change. We had a blast watching her play and bark at all the bigger dogs totally without any fear. Chasing their tails and biting at their ears all in such puppy fun. We have decided that the name Sassy fits her personality a little better. Sassy she is but oh so sweet!!!! Sassy Velvet Buttons-------we could not love her more !!!

12 comments:

The Pink Birdhouse said...

Oh Mimi, I am so sad for your loss of Lucy. I know how much one can love a pet, and you put it so perfectly into words! It is hard to let go of them. Our Cody is just 5 years old this month, so I know that we still have some good years together, yet some times I wonder how we will all handle it when it is time to let go. He is so loved by us all, and he is totally devoted to my oldest daughter. We even tell him, "go find Mommy". He loves her that much.

But on the opposite side of this story, you had wonderful news, a new puppy. And how adorable is Athena, I just LOVE that picture of her sitting and looking up at the camera. It looks just like a photo that you might find on a doggie calendar!! Great shot!! I wish you all much much happiness with the newest member of the family. give that little bundle of joy a hug from me. (I grew up with 2 beagles!! Chan and Kippy). They can be a lot of work but also very devoted. Enjoy. hugs, Debby

Pam Mattick Art and Stuff said...

What a sad time, our friends just lost there dog too. But your puppy is adorable, such soulful eyes, like your Lucy.
What a nice picture of your son and his dog. Tell him Happy 18th for me please.
Blessings,
Pam <><

Mimi Sue said...

Over the years we've had to put a couple of dogs down and it always breaks my heart. BUT when they are suffering it is such a blessing for them. I feel your pain of losing Lucy. However that Athena is adorable. She will certainly help with the healing. Mimi

Thistle Cove Farm said...

You have a lovely blog, I really enjoy the peaceful colors.
Hounds make the best companions! We lost our beloved Shaddie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback earlier this year; time lessons the pain but it never goes away.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry about your pup, but I'm glad you found such an adorable new baby. How cute is that!! I hope you'll have many happy years with her!

Bev said...

So sorry you had to lose your loving dog Lucy. I know how hard it is. We don't think we'll replace ours anytime soon.

Your new little Sassy puppy is so cute! I just love those little eyes! You are gonna have a barker for sure...I've heard about them beagles!! Hope your heart will heal faster with that new little one.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry and sad for your loss. I know how much one can love our four-legged family members.

The puppy is adorable and I hope this puppy can help you in your sorrow.

Toni said...

I got a lump in my throat reading about your loss. I'm a huge dog lover and STILL feel very sad over the loss of our chocolate lab about 5 years ago. We had to put her down (illness related) and the entire day is, honestly, traumatic to recall. Loved that silly dog sooo much.

And Sassy, well....could those eyes BE any cuter? She's adorable. I know she will carve her own special place in your hearts (and I see she's already working on that).
Blessings,
~Toni~

Anonymous said...

Mimi, I was so sorry to read about you losing Lucy! Yes, they are indeed members of the family and even though she is gone now, I'm glad to see you have a new little sweetie to share your love with. What an adorable little face!!

Scrap for Joy said...

Last week was a blur for you. I was sorry that Lucy's time had come and I know what a hard decision it was for you. The decision to get a new puppy was an easy one though-you fell in love with Sassy before you ever saw her. She is a cutie...even for the allergic! Good luck as she continues to train you....LOL!

Lynn said...

Ohhhhh Mimi, how sad and wonderful at the same time :) As you know I went through this not too long ago, Cooper is 8 months old tomorrow and is already the light of my life, I could imagine being without him.
Sassy sure is beautiful, good luck with the training :)

Unknown said...

Sorry for your loss of Lucy, I cannot imagine. Sweet ne puppy Sassy.

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