We’ve now had Harper for almost seven weeks. She continues to add joy and excitement to our lives. Here are some recent pics. Thought I’d share them with all of you.
In the last one, she’s posing with our granddaughter, Briar.
Wishing you a BEAUTIFUL Wednesday tomorrow.
Ray
We’ve now had our weimardoodle puppy, Harper, for five weeks. She’s etched herself into our hearts. We’ve experienced our first trauma together.
After three visits to the vet, a cone, and misery, Harper was diagnosed with Puppy Strangles. It’s a relatively rare autoimmune condition that can get much more serious if not caught early.
I think the whole thing has bonded, myself, and Harper more strongly. With the right diagnosis and medicine, she’s already on the mend.
It’s brought to mind Mia – our 16-year-old we lost in January. We went through many traumas together in her long life. I believe that played a huge part in bond we eventually developed and the pain involved in losing her.
Those 16 wonderful years are filled with amazing memories. But, the reality of daily life is that it goes on. Even cherished memories with loved ones pass into the dim mists of time when compared to the vibrancy of the present.
A puppy is as present as it gets. They engage your time, energy, and attention. They add to that sense of being in the now.
I’ve learned in this process that I did have enough love for Mia’s memory and for Harper. The two complement each. They don’t conflict.
Now is now, though, and then is then. It’s part of the human experience. It happens with loss and change and the passage of time. There’s little we can do about it.
I’m concerned, though. Mia was an amazing companion. I’m not ready for her memory to slip away and become obscured by the power of now.
I am ready to make peace with the fact we have experiences and we have memories. Our experiences eventually become memories.
If we had only to rely on out faulty memories. We’d be sunk. Fortunately, Mia became part of who I am. It’s made me a better puppy dad this time, a better grandfather, and more perspective on the cycle of life. Mia can never leave or be forgotten because she lives on in me. That’s comfort.
So I throw myself into the burning fire of the present and into building a new bond with this new puppy., knowing that as we go, she becomes part of me too.
Just in case no one else has reminded you today, you are awesome!
Ray
Harper wishes you good morning and encourages you to go after it today like a puppy would.
Harper has reminded us of the eternal curiosity and exuberance that a puppy brings to life.
However many years we have on our tires, it’s good to remember that life is a gift. There’s always something new to learn. And, darn it, it’s supposed to be fun.
Have a day like Harper!
Just in case no one else has reminded you today, you are awesome!
Ray
Harper, our weimardoodle, came home two weeks ago today. She’s absolutely worked her way into our hearts.
It’s been 16 years since we were puppy parents. So, we’re in training again too. We’re all learning together.
This sweet Miss is going to be an amazing dog and a member of our family for a long time to come.
Here’s some proud papa pictures.
Just in case no one else has reminded you today, you are awesome!
Ray
The love of a good dog is forever. In January as some of you will recall, we lost our 16 year old lab Mia. Mia was my constant side kick for a decade and a half and a beloved part of our family..
I worked at home for most of those years and we spent every day together. The thought of another dog has not been something we were entertaining…at least not yet. Losing Mia was devastating. I wasn’t sure I was ready to give that much love to another dog.
For my birthday, my wife and daughter surprised me with the gift of a new puppy. I was thrilled, shocked, and have wondered how I’ll be with this new dog? How will we make her life unique and not constantly living in Mia’s shadow?
We’ve waited more than a month . This Saturday we finally get to bring Harper home. She’s a weimardoodle.
I still don’t have answers to my questions about how Harper will make her way into our heart, as Mia did. There is no replacing Mia or the flood of happy memories she left in her wake.
However, i know this. We are,, I am ready to make new memories with this beautiful little girl. Fifteen years from now, I know she too will have contributed to the richness of our lives.
Just in case no one else has reminded you today, you are awesone!
Ray
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