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February Thoughts: A Love Beyond Heartache

Feb 1 2024 | By: The PAWtographers

Valentine’s Day Is About Love...

A silhouette of a dog and its owner at the beach during sunset, sharing a tender moment as they hold paws, capturing the deep bond between them against a backdrop of vibrant orange and yellow skies.

A Sunrise Bond

But with Great Love Can Come Great Heartache

As pet pawrents, we know this all too well. Losing two of our four beloved Havanese to congestive heart failure last year was devastating. Some days, we simply put one foot in front of the other, but we made every effort to brighten each day for our two surviving Havis, who—like us—were suffering from the loss of their lifelong companions.

What truly stopped my heart was when a dear friend, who had recently lost both of her dogs, said, “I’ll never ever have another dog. I can’t go through that pain again.”

A black and white photograph of a young woman gently embracing a small, fluffy dog, capturing a moment of deep emotional connection and love between them.

A Final Embrace

Please, Please Don't Be This Person

Why?

Why? Because there are countless dogs in shelters who understand your heartbreak and are also in need of healing. Together, you can mend each other's hearts.

A white dog with attentive ears sitting calmly against a textured gray studio backdrop, showcasing its poised and gentle nature.

A Moment of Calm:

Together, You Can Heal

This became clear to me at a recent event at the Jacksonville Humane Society. I was reading to a little black dog named Sully, who had the most soulful eyes. His gaze simultaneously melted and broke my heart. In that moment, I realized I could love another dog just as much as my sweet angel girls, Jolie and Carmen.

As we read to him, Sully curled up, turned his back to us, and fell sound asleep.

 

Not ready for a new dog yet? Or, have a houseful of puppers? You can still make a difference!

  • Reading Programs: Spend time at your local shelter reading to the dogs. It’s soothing for both you and them.
  • Play Time: Walk, play, and interact with shelter dogs. Your companionship can make their day.
  • Day Out Programs: If your shelter offers a program where you can take a dog out for the day, take advantage of it! Increasing a dog’s visibility can greatly improve their chances of being adopted.
  • Foster a Dog: If you can, consider fostering a dog. It opens up space at the shelter for another dog in need.
  • Donate: Shelters and rescues always need funds and specific items. Contact your favorite rescue to find out how you can help.

Whatever you do for your local shelters and rescues will be good for your soul—and it will make a dog’s day. If you choose to adopt, you’ll find that both of you will be happier for it.

P.S. Sully has been adopted and is headed to his new home soon. Probably for the best—otherwise, we might have become a “three-pack!”

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