I know it’s the elephant in the room. Or dog, maybe I should say. At the end of this month, it will have been five months since Brickle died. And I just can’t believe it. It still seems like yesterday that he was here with us at his little house in Italy.
Many people have expressed how much Fruitycake needs a friend. I get it. I hear you. I’m not saying I disagree.
Many people have said that our website and socials aren’t the same without two dogs. I mean, our name IS 2 Traveling Dogs. I get it. I hear you. I’m not saying I disagree.
Many people have remarked that it’s time. Well, I do have to disagree with that. Not because I want to disagree. Believe me, I really, really want to rescue another dog. But this isn’t the time. Yet.
In the last few months, we moved to Italy from the USA. It took years of planning and waiting to get our dogs here safely and enjoyable with us.
We sold everything we had except a few boxes which still aren’t here yet. And we moved to a home with no water and no electricity which had been abandoned for almost thirty years. It’s been a struggle after Brickle died to even breathe.
But we had to stay strong to take care of Fruitycake and meet basic needs. We have made good progress. But not enough to welcome another rescue dog. Why?
I call it no couch problems. Simply put, until we have basic comfort and know we can also stay here without any further issues…still waiting on paperwork and test results…I feel it’s not smart to adopt again.
I could put my own needs first. Because my heart really wants to adopt. But that’s not fair. It’s not a good example to others. Would it work out? Probably. But I can’t take that chance.
Animal rescue is not always easy. It’s often filled with complications. Because we all live in a complicated world. But is right for one family or dog is not always what is right for another.
When we will know when it’s time? I’m hoping after the first of the year. But until then, we do what we can every day to keep Fruitycake happy and make progress on the house. Day by day. It’s how I have had to approach living without Brickle.
I know, without a doubt, that Brickle got us here and it was his mission to make sure I would be ok. I won’t let him down. It’s just going to be a little more time before we can define our 2 Traveling Dogs name again.
Last week, we got supplies sent to an Italy rescue and two Florida rescues for Live Like Digby day. You may have noticed we didn’t go in person this year. Our hearts weren’t ready. But soon. Soon.
–Rachael, Girl Person
In a way, you’re 3 Traveling Dogs. Because Brickle and Digby will always be with you. And when it’s time for Fruity to have a canine companion, you’ll be 4 Traveling Dogs.
I totally get it. We lost our last dog Nov 20, 2024. My husband told my mother he was getting me a dog for Christmas. She told me. I talked to him and said I’m not ready. I need a dog but I want the right dog at the right time. I still work and don’t want my next dog’s life to revolve around the fact that I have to leave it home alone all day. I plan on a rescue and would not want a dog to feel abandoned again. I hope to retire sometime in 2025. That said you never know when or what might fall into your lap. It is lonely without a dog.
I think most of the comments are from people who really just want you to be happy and healthy in your new life. I completely understand why one dog is enough for right now. People are very concerned about your sadness, and probably are just trying to help with suggestions that may sound a little too firm at times! lol. You will know when you’re ready, and I love reading about your adventures with Fruitycake. You explained your situation very well, and it’s a testament to how we don’t need a lot of the “stuff” we have in order to live a full life. You’re doing wonderfully well at handling this new world, and I am amazed by all you do.
I agree with you 100 percent and feel you are making the tight choice . When the timing is right you’ll know and then the prefect addition to your family will be waiting.
People are curious and they will ask questions. And I know that somewhere down the line you will adopt another dog. But you will do that in your own time. You want to be able to give your dogs a warm and comfortable home, and you are not there yet. But it’s okay. You don’t have to answer to anyone. And when the time comes you will know.
The right dog will be there when you are ready.
I agree totally with you. You must get your house in a living condition with all things needed to be able to take care of persons and Fruitycake. I am sure life has been stressful for all of you. Just take care of yourselves for now.
You all have enough on your plate right now. You are making the right choice to wait. Fruitycake understands 🙂❤️🐾