One Year With Sadie

One full year with our Doodle love bug. And I couldn’t imagine our life without her. Sadie came into our lives in one of our darkest hours. Yet, she has been the light that has given us new meaning, during a time when we thought our hearts would remain broken forever.

If you’re new here, then you might not remember, our sweet Terrier-mix Lucy. She was the love of our lives, the best companion and furry friend you could ask for. We rescued her when we were dating, and Lucy did everything with us – she was a constant in our lives. Once married, sweet Terrier-mix was the third pea in our Haines pod.

During stay-at-home, I finally broke Rick down and convinced him to say yes to getting a second pup. Lucy needed a buddy. Little did we know, just two weeks after agreeing to a little black Goldendoodle puppy, Lucy would be diagnosed with cancer. It was a complete shock, to be fighting for our otherwise healthy, 7-year old pup’s life. She fought hard and valiantly. We got one extremely special month with her, before we had to say goodbye.

read my letter to the grieving pet owner, which I wrote last year.

Looking back on it all, there was something greater working on our behalf. For me, it was a God thing. And He mad sure we had Sadie while going through those last weeks with Lucy. Eight-week old Sadie met Lucy just 12 days before Lucy ran across the rainbow bridge forever. Even though sick Lucy really wanted nothing to do with a playful, yappy puppy, I will forever cherish the photos, videos and memories I have of my two fur-babies together.

Although I was mentally and physically exhausted after fighting for Lucy, coupled with the heart-wrenching goodbye, there was no time to dwell in my grief, a little 10-week old puppy needed our utmost attention.

Whether we wanted to or not, we had to move on to the next thing and take care of baby Sadie. We were exhausted. We cried. There were sleepless nights when Sadie cried for hours in her crate. But the love she gave us, outweighed all the negatives. Having a puppy in our lives was truly the best thing possible for our mental state.

Reflecting on everything now, I’m quite positive Rick and I would’ve fallen into some sort of deep-dark depression if we came home to a quiet and empty house the afternoon we said goodbye to Lucy.

Sadie is our little angel. Just like she needed us, we needed her.

While Lucy will always hold a special place in our hearts, I know she must’ve told 8-week old Sadie that she had some big shoes to fill! Sadie’s love is incomparable, just like Lucy’s.

Sadie picked up right where Terrier-mix left off.

Raising a puppy isn’t easy, but it was the best distraction I could’ve ever asked for after losing Lucy. Sadie bear brings such joy to our life. Everyday with Sadie is one filled with laughter and countless smiles. Literally, every time we come home, she greets us with huge, toothy smiles. It’s one of my absolute favorite things, ever.

Somehow she is so different than Lucy, yet so similar. Unlike Lucy, Sadie loves swimming, digging and rough-housing with other pups. But just like Lucy, she’s the biggest snuggle bug, in-tune with my emotions to a T (will comfort me if I get upset) and loves to sun in the backyard. She’s even taken up to getting on our bed and snuggling me if I’m watching tv or napping. Just. Like. Lucy. She is the biggest love bug and we love her tremendously.

There will never be a day I don’t think about Lucy. But I’m a firm believer that Lucy taught me how to love even harder, and to open my heart, even after heartbreak. Lucy showed us life is beyond fleeting, and everyday is a gift. I know Lucy is looking down on us, and is so happy to see that Sadie has filled our hearts back up with happiness and love.