My Heart is Full
Last week, my heart was shattered by the loss of my beloved Aayla. I’m still mourning her loss, it still hurts. I imagine it will continue to hurt for quite some time to come. I had her body cremated. I should be receiving her ashes back next week. I have purchased a small memorial box for her ashes to display on my tallest bookshelf so that she will always be with me and always in view.
Within hours of losing Aayla, my dad recommended getting another dog. I couldn’t think of such a thing at the time. By Sunday, I began to look online for a new companion. I wanted a chihuahua but not one that looked remotely like Aayla. After searching all the shelters from here to Kansas City, I started looking at chihuahua breeders. There was one in Tennesse that I emailed who bred long hair chihuahuas. Aayla was a smooth coat chihuahua so a long hair would be one different aspect. I asked the owner, Sandi, if she had any puppies that did not have fawn coats (like Aayla). She had three puppies and sent me photos. I fell in love with a four-month-old puppy she had temporarily named “Socks” due to her cute little mismatched socks on her feet and legs. As it turned out, Sandi was going to Paducah, KY for a convention that Wednesday and said she could bring the puppy with her. Paducah is much closer to me than her home in Tennesse and it was so soon. It was a perfect arrangement, a sign.
After a short drive to Paducah, I instantly fell in love with the tiny puppy. I named her Abbey Rose which is kind of a play on words because it sounds like Abbey Road, the Beatles album. I held her in my arms all the way home. She’s a perfect pup. Loves to be held and cuddled, playful too. I know Aayla would want me to be happy and that she wouldn’t want me to be alone. Maybe Aayla helped setup this arrangement that worked out so well?
Last night, Abbey Rose slept cuddled up to my neck and chin all night long. This morning, she is exploring her new domain and playing with her breakfast. I love her so much!! Later today, I will give her a first bath… Probably in the sink because she is too tiny for the bathtub. She is eating well and her tiny little poops are normal looking. She’s not the least bit stressed about her new home. My heart is full. I love my little Abbey Rose.