A week and a half ago we welcomed another member into our family.
Another four-legged, warm, loving, furry one. It was not the easiest
day. I was terribly sick, but tried to rally - showered and got dressed
because I knew Buford was headed this way.
Buford had been on our minds for a couple of months... ever since my hubby
first saw a frantic flyer on the fridge at work asking if someone could
take Buford in. His mom (dog mom, not human mom) had started attacking
him in the past year. There was no explanation as to why this started
happening to poor five year old Buford. His mom Ashlie was found and
adopted while she was pregnant with him, so god only knows what her
history is. Sadly, it just started happening. Buford's owner tried
everything - behaviorists, separation, etc. None of it seemed to solve
the problem.
Two weeks ago there was a new flyer on the fridge at work. There had
been another attack on Buford. My hubby called me and it was a quiet
understanding between us that we would be taking Buford into our house
and family.
Buford is a sweet, loving, and gentle soul. And a good fit here. But
it's not been very easy for me. We lost our beloved Zoe girl almost two
years ago, and I've not recovered from the loss yet. I still can't
really think of her for too long without crying. She was a life force in
our house, and she's been missed beyond words or comprehension. In some ways, I still can't believe she's really gone - even after all this time.
So, having Buford here with us has been a bit heartwrenching. I
sometimes feel as if I am "replacing" Zoe, (literally impossible I know,
but grief is a slippery slope). And Buford's poor owner is
also devastated. I had no words to console her as she left that day. She
tells us that she couldn't have found a better home for him, and I am
so thankful she feels that way - but can you imagine giving your dog
away to strangers? What sacrifice. I honestly don't know if I'd have the strength.
Not everyone has been supportive of our decision to take Buford in -
we don't "need" another dog. Of course we don't. But we have the room,
and the resources, and the love to help another living soul who was in desperate need of a safe place to land. And Buford has already given us more love than we
could have ever hoped for, so it's been a fair trade so far.
Edited to add: Patrick is adjusting to being the "big dog brother" too. He pretty much largely ignores Buford, and struts around like he's the man of the house. It's been an adjustment for everyone - but a happy one.
