Look what the stork brought us!
We named him Happy because according to my kids he’s our happy after our sad. Of course he can’t replace our Sonny Boy but he’s certainly a great distraction.
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get a new puppy so soon after Sonny’s death. It seemed unfair to Sonny. I found our him the day before Sonny’s planned euthanasia. I set out to visit several Golden Retriever puppies. My hubby warned me to not buy the first one I saw. Guess what? I bought the first one. It was love at first sight. How could I not love that ball of fur with those big brown eyes that were saying take me home? He seemed perfect for our family. He’s house broken, pretty calm, and used to kids. When the owners told me that their kids dress him up in baby clothes and push him across the hardwood floors I knew he’d fit right in at our house. I paid for him but decided it was best to not bring him home until after Sonny was gone. Sonny deserved our full attention in his last few days. The plan was for the new puppy to be brought to us the morning after Sonny’s passing.
I felt terribly guilty about getting the new puppy. The night that Sonny passed and when I sat by the pool in the same spot that I had sat with Sonny earlier in the day I felt that I had made a terrible mistake. How could we get a new puppy? This is Sonny’s house, Sonny’s pool, Sonny’s yard, Sonny’s woods, Sonny’s family. Sonny lived here before us. He was bred here. When we came to look at the house we saw Sonny and ended up buying both.
If it weren’t for the kids I would have probably decided to not get the puppy. They needed something to be excited about. Something else to focus on. They have been great about taking care of Happy. Making sure he is fed, playing with him, and taking him out to go potty. I’m really proud of how responsible they are being. Granted they will probably not be so responsible once the novelty of the puppy wears off but I can hope!
What I’ve realized is that Sonny was my dog. Happy is theirs. I know in time I will love him just as much as Sonny. I remember being pregnant with my second baby and thinking I wouldn’t be able to love another baby as much as my first. Well I did and I know before long Happy will be as much a part of our family as Sonny was. Right now it just feels weird.
Happy does make me happy. I forgot how much like a baby puppies are. I feel like I have two toddlers in the house. He gets into as much stuff as Marigrace does. He’s not too hyper though and will let me rock him like a baby until he falls asleep. The nice thing is that if I need him out of my hair I can crate him. Wish I could do that with my kids. Oh wait, I have.
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I am a self professed slacker mom. I answer to Kristie or slackermommy.
My house is a mess, my kids are obnoxious, and my husband is sexually deprived.
I drive my kids to school in my pj's, I can make a couple of Happy Meals from the floor of my car, my kids eat in front of the television, and I believe a dirty house helps kids have a healthy immune system.
If you can relate then this blog is for you. No sugar coating on my blog. Let's get real about being a mommy, wife, sister, and friend.
You can also find me slacking at:
Rebecca
August 23rd, 2007 at 3:58 pm
SO SO cute. Good for you, that was a hard, brave decision you made. Wishing you many more happy memories
Thirty-One Trendy
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:46 pm
Happy is adorable. You’ll get a lot of joy from having a puppy in the house after all the stress and grief your family has been dealing with lately.
MamaLee
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:54 pm
What a beautiful pup!
I totally understand why you got him. When I got Maggie, I SWORE that I would NEVER live without a dog again. She filled such a place in me that only a dog can. She is now going on 7. Jack, our other pup, just turned 2. And in a couple of years, we’ll get another puppy.
Enjoy your new baby - Sonny’s spirit lives in him, for sure.
Blog Antagonist
August 23rd, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Awwww. He really is cute. I understand all your reservations. We have cats, and one had to be put down a couple years ago due to a condition that would cause her to asphyxiate. Anyway…I felt the same way, but a new kitty really did ease the pain a lot.
He looks like he has a lot of character!
acumamakiki
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:07 pm
He certainly is scrumptious and I love his name. I can understand completely why you got one, not to replace but to heal.
Christina
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Awww…he’s adorable. I can see why it was hard to resist that little face.
When I lost my favorite cat, getting another did help ease the pain. It didn’t replace him by any means, but it did ease the pain.
Pgoodness
August 23rd, 2007 at 5:27 pm
I know what you’re saying about loving another dog - we got a puppy last September and since my baby is still with us, I’m still having a hard time giving my heart fully to the pup. I think Happy is a perfect name; Sonny will never be replaced in your heart, but what joy he’ll bring!
Oh and the crate thing? Mine did that, too. Are we sure it’s so wrong? I mean, the kids really seemed to like it in there…
Summer
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Aw, what a cute pup!!
Tabba
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Welcome Home, Happy!!!
I’m sure the weirdness will wear off before you know it.
Damn, he’s a cutie.
Annie
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Happy is gorgeous! Almost makes me want to get one… almost
EE
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:49 pm
We did the same thing when our dog passed away. The new pup was a distraction!
Love the pictures…especially the ones of the kids in the kennel!
Lawyer Mama
August 23rd, 2007 at 6:50 pm
Awww, he’s adorable!
Can I crate train my kids?
Carla
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:23 pm
So sweet! Wishing you many Happy years with your newest baby!
Sierra
August 23rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Beautiful new addition to the family. Congrats on the successful adoption. You crack me up with the whole crating the toddlers thing. Best wishes for you and your family in the healing process. It looks like you made a smart move there with Happy.
KC
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Beautiful, sweet dog. I’m glad your children have something to be Happy about!
Mamma
August 23rd, 2007 at 8:40 pm
Happy is a perfect name!
It sucks when we have to be adults don’t we. I totally know what you mean about Happy being their dog.
Your heart is so big, I just know you’ll love him like you did Sonny.
Sparky Duck
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:12 pm
Pets are the best medicine for that kind of sadness. We needed to kittens to replace my Kittie, but I now realized no animal will replace Kittie, Lola and Bettina just suck up the love that was going to waste.
Lisa
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Oh YEAY. Happy is beautiful. And that’s a perfect name for a pup. Have been thinking of you guys, wondering how you’ve been.
Lisa
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:36 pm
P.S. The looks on your kids’ faces. They are so excited about Happy. He will be greatly loved.
andi
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:40 pm
Aw, how cute is that? And where can I get me one of them baby cages? Sure would come in handy…
carrie
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Yay! I am so happy that you made room for “Happy”!!
He is adorable, and he’s got some pretty big shoes to fill . . . but I’m sure he’ll try his best!
shauna
August 23rd, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Isn’t he adorable! And your kids sure have taken to him. Here’s to many happies!
QT
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:30 pm
YAY!!!! Puppy love can be so healing, Kristie! You will never forget or replace Sonny. He is an individual, not just a dog. But Happy will worm his way in eventually, and you will see, your heart has the capacity to love again.
In his own way, Happy will help you remember Sonny, in the ways he is the same, in the ways he is different. And your kids look, well, so happy!
Cat
August 24th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Awww, what a cutie! I choked up a little when I read how the kids came up with his name. I understand the guilt, but you aren’t replacing Sonny. At first he’ll be a distraction and help you heal, and after a while he’ll have you wrapped around his little paw! =)
The "Mind"
August 24th, 2007 at 6:09 am
It’s amazing how healing pets are.
And can I say how much I love that you have pictures of your kids in the dog crate?
Heh
~JJ!
August 24th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Happy Happy Happy!!!!!
I’m so Happy for you and Happy!!!!
He’s adorable.
Now, where can I get a kid-crate like yours?????
Oh, The Joys
August 24th, 2007 at 6:55 am
New puppies always help. Always.
This was always my parent’s strategy when I was growing up. It does help.
Jaelithe
August 24th, 2007 at 7:04 am
This is such a beautiful post. I wish I’d had your insight when my 12-year-old cat passed away two and a half years ago. I chose not to get another cat, because I was so distraught, but, my son, who I didn’t think would remember our cat, misses her a lot and is constantly asking for another. (Do you see now why he can spell C_A_T? I think I’ll have to cave soon.)
I’m so sorry about Sonny. It’s clear he was very loved. I think he would be happy to know you will share your love with another dog who needed a home.
Peg
August 24th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Perfect name for a perfect addition to the family…no doubt Happy will bring much joy to the slacker home.
And, I’m ordering my kid-crate right now! LOL
Momish
August 24th, 2007 at 7:45 am
I am in love with him!!! I know it is hard, but really life goes on and Sonny wouldn’t mind, I am sure.
And that picture of your kids in the crate is classic!! They are too too cute!
canape
August 24th, 2007 at 8:53 am
Oh I want to come over and smell the puppy breath, kiss the puppy nose, and rub the puppy belly!
So so sweet! I’m glad you brought that ray of sunshine into your family. I think Sonny would be proud.
ali
August 24th, 2007 at 9:07 am
the cage picture is hilarious!
enjoy Happy!
Julie Pippert
August 24th, 2007 at 10:00 am
He’s adorable and I love the name. You’re so right: he’s the kids and it will be great for them. But I understand how you feel. We haven’t gotten a new cat after we lost ours although the kids ask. Not yet. Plus we still have a cat and a dog. Kids don’t quite get it yet, the same way we do.
Enjoy your beautiful puppy and the joy and life he brings.
Julie
Ravin’ Picture Maven
Jenster
August 24th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Aw - I love Happy! And I think you made a great decision!!
Great pictures, BTW.
Bubba
August 24th, 2007 at 10:30 am
I am SO happy for you and the kids! Happy is just adorable! Enjoy the new family member!
Hugs to all of you,
Bubba
JayJenny
August 24th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Happy is adorable and a welcomed addition to your family after much heartbreak. It’s okay to move on, you won’t forget.
*~*Cece*~*
August 24th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
OMG Happy is SO darn cute! I’m happy that your kids are happy again! I know how hard it is for kids to loose a pet.
Elaine
August 24th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
oh my goodness! ADORABLE!! Nothing cheers you up like a new little pup. Try not to feel guilty. You’ve adopted an animal and given him a good home, and that’s a wonderful thing to do. I think your Sonny would be *happy* to see you embracing a new pet.
HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!! And Resolve for pets carpet cleaner works great for those oops moments
Jennifer aka Binky Bitch
August 24th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
What a cutie!! Congrats.
We had a kitty named Happy a long time ago…great name!
Farrell
August 24th, 2007 at 2:29 pm
OH. My. God. He is soooooooooooooo cute!!!
Amanda
August 24th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
oh the puppy is so cute.
Ruth Dynamite
August 24th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
Yes, Happy is their dog, but he will soon be yours too. I’m “Happy” for all of you.
JazzBrown
August 24th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
He’s adorable! I’m HAPPY for all of you. He’ll win you over in different ways, you wait and see.
Absolutely Bananas
August 25th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
OMG what an ADORABLE puppy! and I love the kids in the crate. That’s awesome, right there.
Kuwaitia
August 25th, 2007 at 7:56 pm
Happy is so cute! and I am loving the kids in the cage thing! I am glad you guys have a puppy to bring smiles to your faces. I am sorry about Sonny.
Mert
August 27th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Heehee love the last picture!
I’m sure you’ll love Happy too, maybe not the same way or quite as much, but you’ll love him… he’s so sweet! And rocking him like a baby? Awww!
Gretchen
August 28th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I think people make too big a deal out of the “when” in getting a new pet after the death of the previous one. I say this because I include myself. When you’re ready, you’re ready. That’s good enough. Nothing in Happy denigrates or trivializes the love you had for Sonny, so I say, just enjoy the socks of him.
Liam's Mom - Gina
August 28th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
How did you get so many Kodak moments into one post? AWESOME PHOTOS!
Congrats on the new addition! He belongs in a dog show he is so beautiful!!!