Summer is a survivor.

Heidi · #1 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 01:39 AM

I wanted to say thanks for all your support also with our loss of Cleo. It has been so much more difficult then we ever expected. I've never grieved like this before in my life, not even family and very close friends. Well, she was family.
Summer has really been improving and I wanted to share some of her new pictures with you. Without knowing her they probably don't mean much but Summer is not exactly what most would call the cute, cuddly, loving type baby. She is very selective on who she gives her love to and she gave herself completely and truely to Cleopatra. When Cleo died I had major concerns that Summer would survive. There is still a long way to go and I'm noticing some problems that I'm concerned with but I'm also noticing some improvements that I've never seen before with her.
First, she loves my husband but is not a cuddle dog at all. And, she is petrified of cats and always has been. She has been reluctantly letting this sweet little boy get a little closer to her for the past week.

and enjoys taking over Walters spot on the couch whenever she gets the chance. Here he moved her out of the way and she just sat there refusing to really move. This is just the position she ended up in after he pushed her big ol' butt over.

She also has never used a dog bed, EVER. She loves concrete and has been secluding herself for about 13 or more hours a day for the past few weeks, BUT....lookie, lookie, lookie!!!!!

We still have a long way to go. She is still very reclusive and showing some health problems that I'm concerned are coming from inactivity despite majorly increasing her walking time to make up for her new inactivity. But, small steps and I'm feeling pretty confident that the old girl is going to make it. I'm sad that I'll probably never see her run and play again. I hope and pray that somehow it will happen but I'm happy with the progress of this week.
Again, thanks to everybody for your supportive and caring words.

mpgt · #2 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 01:46 AM

That's good news Heidi. Thanks for sharing the pics. She looks sweet!!!

Sleepy_FF · #3 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 01:53 AM

heidi, that is SO awesome. im so glad for you!

Stargazer · #4 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:20 AM

Hi Heidi,
I don't know the stories of Summer and Cleo but want to extend my support also. I know how devastating it is to lose a pet. I am sorry for your loss. Summer is so sweet! Is there another thread I can read your story?

Cristina · #5 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:27 AM

aww..She has to go through the grieving process..Send her lots of positive,uplifting energy..Take her on nice walks. Try not to be upset around her..Dogs are very in tune w/ are emotions. Show her you can be strong,even if its hard, and she will be too.

MED04 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:41 AM

Oh, Heidi...that is truly GREAT news. I'm going to go light a candle for Cleo now.

JuliusSqueezer · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:42 AM

She really is lighting a candle

Heidi · #8 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:45 AM

Thanks all. Stargazer, I lost my sweetie girl on the first of the year. http://redtailboa.net/forums/r-i-p/3...ious-girl.html . You can also see her rainbow residency page by clicking on the signature picture.

Cris, I knew this would be hard on her. They were constantly together and whenever Cleo would go to the vet or anywhere without her she would cry and cry. When we lost Manson she immediately became Cleo's shadow and they were like two peas in a pod. I've been trying so hard to be active with her and taking her for pleanty of walks. She does not like to go outside at all now where she used to love her backyard and get so excited to go out and play. All she wants to do is walk or sleep. She has just started moving more around the house though so I'm thrilled. It is hard not showing her how hard this is for me because I keep together all day long with the kids and then when they crash the emotions flow out. I have to hide myself in the garage most of the time to cry. I'm so relieved now to just see the light at the end of the tunnel and there will eventually be a "new normal".

Heidi · #9 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:47 AM

Thanks Megan. That means a lot to me and to Cleopatra. I know you would have loved her and she would have loved playing with your furry babies.

Slithers · #10 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:47 AM

what a sweetheart. I hope she keeps improving!

amercnwmn · #11 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:49 AM

Dogs, like humans have emotions I dont care what anyone else says. They grieve the loss of loved ones just as we do. Its wonderful you are taking the time to pay attention to little behavioral changes with Summer and taking initiative to make sure she stays active, and knows she is loved.
She will begin to move on eventually, much like you will.
I understand how hard it is to lose a family member, and one close to you, so I understand the loss you and your family, and Summer are feeling.

Stargazer · #12 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 02:52 AM

Oh, she was so beautiful! I think it's okay for you and Summer to grieve together. When one my cats died, I cried many tears on my other cats' soft fur. Summer will really need a lot of your attention, but I think it's okay if you cry around her.

Jatango · #13 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 03:06 AM

I would think that she knows you're crying in the garage. She may want to grieve cleo with you, whether she realizes it or not. I know when I was depressed, I didn't want anyone around, but secretly I did, even if they were just doing something not concerning me in the same room.

Maybe have a good solid crying session with her and let her know it's okay to be upset, she doesn't have to bottle it. Give her a good treat. Then she'll see you get up the next morning and soldier on. It could help, but do whatever you're most comfortable with.

Heidi · #14 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 03:27 AM

It's off and on. Last night we held Cleo together and comforted each other. It was three weeks and we lit our candles and just held her. I try not to get upset around her though. I don't mind her seeing me cry, I just don't want her to see me upset. I try to be upbeat too. "Summer, come on, lets go out and play". Little bugger knew I was bragging on her so had to go out to the garage and sulk. Feel better now Summer.

Jatango · #15 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 03:39 AM

I'm really glad you have the patience and kindness to help her through while you're grieving as well. Many people wouldn't even recognize her actions as grief. She's a trooper, she'll come around. Good girl, Summer.

EDIT: I just visited cleo's residency page. I'm not one to cry at anything, even things that I should, but your love for Cleo just had me bawling. It almost makes me not want a dog because of all the pain that comes when they leave. Dobes especially. I don't care what anyone says, dobes love harder and more than any breed i've ever met. I know she's there with you, I just couldn't imagine her being anywhere else. Thank you for loving her so incredibly much.

Heidi · #16 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 03:51 AM

She is a good girl. She's been my baby for a long time. I know she would do anything for me and I owe her nothing less. I keep reminding myself that we are a strong family and Cleo added so much to our family and that is why we lost so much. I promised Summer I would take care of her and we would get through this.

Reptscue · #17 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 04:35 AM

Heidi... just continue to be strong. You know you have my #, use it if you need to.

Stargazer · #18 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 04:52 AM

The pain is so overwhelming, but eventually it will get better. Keep writing and talking about Cleo and telling her story. It is wonderful to know that people can love their pets so very much that their loss makes such a big impact. A lot of people do not understand this bond. Do you have a pet loss support group in your area?

louise · #19 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 04:55 AM

heidi with your love i am sure she will keep improving.

Heidi · #20 (**permalink**) 01-24-2007, 03:42 PM

I am in a support group. They have been great. It is hard to use them though because of the children. I'm restricted in my grieving time but still getting through.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jatango

EDIT: I just visited cleo's residency page. I'm not one to cry at anything, even things that I should, but your love for Cleo just had me bawling. It almost makes me not want a dog because of all the pain that comes when they leave. Dobes especially. I don't care what anyone says, dobes love harder and more than any breed i've ever met. I know she's there with you, I just couldn't imagine her being anywhere else. Thank you for loving her so incredibly much.

I tell myself that if she didn't give so much love I wouldn't have lost so much. You're right about dobies. They are full of so much energy, love, cuddles, kisses and the sweetest babies you could ever ask for. Cleopatra took it one step further. She knew nothing but how to lick and kiss. If she was stepped on in the middle of the night she would wake up kissing, if you kicked her on the swing, she would stop and kiss you, if you tripped over her big ol' body walking through the door she would stand up and kiss you, when she got jealous of Summer she would kiss. I know she was one in a lifetime and something special. I can't imagine my life without getting another dobe. It will be quite a while though. I want to remember Cleo for the special life she shared with us. I figure when we are ready Cleopatra will help us in making our decision and it will just feel right.

Thank you for visiting her page. I just know that she feels the visits and she loves everybody she's ever met. I know she would love all of y'all.

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