Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A New Chapter Begins...


A visit to the Savannah Humane Society was the last thing I expected to occur on a recent Saturday afternoon but fate, destiny or a higher power had other other plans for me that day. Pulling into the parking lot a chorus of barks inside the complex rang out to greet me while second thoughts entered my mind and for a minute I considered driving far far away. The staff warmly greeted me and asked what type of pet I was seeking; a long-haired female was my preference but unfortunately there were none but they had some long-coated males for me to check out. Individual chain link enclosures contained dogs of every breed, size, color, and sex but my mind was made up as to what I was seeking for the next phase of my life. A Great Pyrenees puppy of five months captured my attention and after spending some time with him I decided to have my mother come see the youngster before I completed the adoption paperwork. While waiting for Mom to arrive I decided that the gorgeous puppy wasn't the right dog for me at this moment so back into the cage he went.

I was prepared to go home alone which really wasn't a bad thing as far as I was concerned then a family strolled by with a cute friendly dog that peaked my interest. The family and red/white dog went to a visitation area outdoors while I watched them through a window and there was no indication if the dog was going to be adopted but as it turns out the answer was no. When my turn came to meet this dog there was an instant bond between us while Mom found him incredibly sweet thus I decided to make this special creature of 6 years a part of my life. One year and 18 days after saying goodbye to Erin I welcomed Cody into my home and heart; it was not an easy decision to move forward without my beloved friend but it was time for me to live again and continue along the path of healing. The past several weeks have been filled with much fun and excitement as there is life again in the house and I'm very content with the decision to bring a fur friend into my life but there's always two sides to a coin which I've discovered.

I've come to love Cody very much as he does me and there's no way that I'd ever give him up but sometimes his presence reiterates the fact that my beloved angel is gone. Watching him fetch balls, beg for treats, or simply sleep makes me very happy and I've worn a near constant smile but it also saddens me to think that Erin made the journey much too soon and it should be her at my side instead of another dog. That said I look forward to a wonderful future with Cody but at the same time I'll always remember my years with Erin as that was the greatest period of my life. The timing to open my heart was right and it feels so good to share my friendship and love with another fur friend; laughter and smiles are a near constant these days and that's how like it.

Family and friends alike adore Cody while welcoming him with open arms as he's such a loving sweet boy and I feel incredibly lucky to have another wonderful dog by my side. 13 years ago Erin and I began a fairy tale relationship and now I sense something very special again; I couldn't ask for anything else at this stage of my life. During our second day together I was laying on the floor near Cody as he stared into my eyes while I asked different questions of him; I got no response til he was asked "Did Erin send you?" then he sprung up with tail wagging a million miles a hour and a huge smile across his face as if he was saying " Yes Yes!! She sent me to guide you." There will always be somber moments in remembrance of my departed angel but I know that Cody will be near to comfort me and that's a great feeling. There will never be another Erin but I've learned that I can love again thanks to Cody!! RIP Erin!!

P.S...I tried to upload pics of Cody but had issues :(

29 comments:

  1. Oh David I am so happy for both you and Cody and I am sure you were destined for each other. I truly believe he came to heal, comfort and protect. Erin must have had some thing to do with it..choosing someone for you that will be there when she cannot. Yes, she was taken much too soon and Cody will never fill her shoes, or is that paws...but together you will make new memories and he will love you just as much as Erin did! Have a wonderful week my friend! Hugs!!!

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  2. This is great news! No dog could ever replace Erin, but your heart is so big I think there is room enough for Cody. Congratulations!

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  3. Oh, David, I didn't want to say it before, didn't think you were ready to hear it, but I have been praying ever since reading about your life with Erin that another dog would find you with love and dedication, the same as your precious Erin had. God is so good!
    I know Cody is not Erin; he's not meant to be, but he will love you in his own way, in his own time, and grace your memories of Erin with the new ones he makes in your life.
    I look forward to seeing your posts about your new loyal friend and steadfast companion in this life. Erin waits for you in the heavenly meadows where she, and Cody, will run freely with you one day.
    God bless and keep you, my friend!

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  4. Nothing but happiness at the thought that the place beside that was empty is now occupied by young Cody. He will never be Erin, or replace her but he'll fill you life with love and laughter in his own unique way.

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  5. I never thought this day would come, you're a new man! God is so awesome, and so are you!

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  6. @Nelieta Thanks for the kind words!! I want to believe Erin had a paw in Cody coming into my life and I'm glad I waited instead of rushing out to get another dog too soon. Lots of fond memories with Cody will certainly be made!! Take care :)

    @Adriene Erin and I had a special bond that will be hard to be topped but Cody has already won me over in his own way. Thanks for stopping by!!

    @Martha There was no need to say it as my Mom has prayed for the same thing for many months now. She has repeatedly asked me to go find a puppy but I wasn't ready...there was too much pain inside me for another dog to enter my life. Looking forward to eternal life with Erin and Cody!! Your uplifting words of support are much appreciated. Blessings :)

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  7. @Corinne Cody has certainly filled the void inside and it's good to love again!! He's a special sweet dog who reminds everyone of Erin as they possess so many of the same wonderful traits. Thanks for visiting and the kind words!! :)

    @Walter The grieving process had to occur before I could think about opening my heart to another. Cody is a great dog who's a blessing from God for sure!! Take care my friend!!

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  8. David, it is amazing just how much an animal can become a part of our life. They no longer fall into the 'animal' realm but miraculously become almost human. It is so very hard to lose a friend like that, and if we are lucky enough to bond with another again, we should always jump on that opportunity! So glad to hear about Cody and I just know that it is going to be an interesting road for you. Look forward to future posts :)

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  9. Sometimes I have such a hard time reading your blog..cause like you and Erin I had someone special and there are days I still cry..I have had many fur friends since then and have loved them each in their own way..but I always remember my "soul fur mate"...I am so happy for you and Cody and even happier you chose to adopt.....I look forward to reading about your time together...As always..XOXOXOXO

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  10. I went to visit my sister today who is looking after my beautiful Kemp. He is my Blue Merle Collie and i miss him dreadfully. He came into my life three years ago when my daughter persuaded me that it was time to allow another 'dog' into our lives. We went to the rescue centre, and within an hour we had all fallen in love with this little puppy who then became ours.

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  11. @Mary Pets often become much more than animals and Erin was human-like in many ways to me. I feel very lucky to have Cody enter my life but I'll never forget Erin or the wonderful moments we shared. Thanks for visiting!!

    @Bongo I appreciate you stopping by!! It's often sad as days with Erin are recalled but brighter days lie ahead. She was indeed my soulmate and no one will be able to measure up to her standards. That said Cody is an amazing dog and I love him already. Sorry for your loss!! :(

    @Larry Glad to hear you opened your heart and allowed Kemp in. It does take time to heal and get to the point where it's healthly to allow another creature into the household. Appreciate you stopping by!! :)

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  12. This is so heart warming! Erin will always be within your heart. That will never change. I love your last paragraph about how Erin sent Cody to you :D I believe that!!! So a new journey starts with Cody by your side but your journey with Erin will continue in your heart and mind forever. My best to you and Cody. I'm looking forward to photos and maybe even some of your adventures with him when you feel like posting them :D

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  13. David, it is bittersweet, the feeings you are having, but you already said it...." This feels right". The picture of Cody is absolutely beautiful. He is perfect for you...and that is how he came into your life. You knew it..and I believe he was sent to you by Erin. It feels like such a good fit. I am so happy for you and Cody...he does not replace Erin, but he leeds you back to living...and that is what Erin would have wanted. When I think of Cody I think of Erin...there is a syncronicity to that and it is not a coincidence that you now share your life with Cody. What a beautiful post this is.Thank you Erin for the Gift you Gave...Loving you my dear friend....Always...

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  14. From seeing others and reading about pets... they really do become a part of the family...You were meant to be together!

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  15. m very happy 4 u David...
    n trust me u n Cody will also have great time together !!!

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  16. This is an amazing story, and I'm so happy you found another companion. He will never replace Erin, but he will be a wonderful addition to your family.

    We just recently went through this when our cat of 18 years died this Summer. It was just before our vacation, and my wife wanted to get a new cat some day. We figured that having some time where we stayed home with the new cat would be very helpful, but that meant either a very quick turnaround, or waiting until Christmas.

    So we welcome our new cat a scant four weeks after Miss Kittycat died. In some ways it felt like a betrayal, but we also know that she will always be loved and missed.

    We just have a new companion to love as well.

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  17. You have a gift waiting for you at:

    http://bongoisme.blogspot.com/2011/09/liebster-blog-love-award.html#axzz1YpCQbUuo

    As always...XOXOXOXO

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  18. Whoa, David, you should put a Kleenex alert at the front of this post -- haha! You had me crying by the end! So sweet -- Congratulations on your new famiily ;-)

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  19. It would be hard to repalce Erin, but Cody needs love also. You will give to each other. Hugs

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  20. A new chapter indeed. Truly happy for you. Blessings - Dora

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  21. @Mari I believe Erin will always play a part in my life in some manner or another...Love doesn't end upon death!! Cody is a special dog and I look forward to sharing pics and stories from future adventures. Thanks for visiting and commenting!! :)

    @Raven No one will be able to replace Erin but Cody will have every opportunity in the world to show how special he is. It's hard to believe that someone would give him up after 6 years...any family should be lucky to have a dog like him. Cody reminds folks of Erin as they're similiar in many ways but I appreciate the differences as well. We will not be romping around Europe but our own tales (tails) are going to be great too. I always appreciate your uplifting words and friendship!! :)

    @Sparkle Pets are often more than just animals and I consider pets part of the family. Cody is being intergrated into the family on a daily basis and everyone loves him. Thanks for stopping by!!

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  22. I a so glad you found Cody. Erin will always be special but it is also time to move on and heal. Waiting to read about Cody

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  23. @Jyoti Cody and I will have great relationship though it will be very different than the one I shared wth Erin.

    @Dave No one will be able to replace Erin as we had too many great years and had many remarkable times. That said, Cody is carving out his own place in my heart and is one fine dog. Congrats on the new addition to your family!!

    @Linda My posts are often emotional and touching...I write what's in my heart. I'm happy about bringing Cody into the fold. Thanks for stopping by!!

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  24. @Crystal Mary Cody certainly needs me as I need him thus it's a good fit. Therre will be no problem will be spoiling and loving him!! Thanks for commenting!! :)

    @Pandora Thanks for the well wishes!! :)

    @Rimly Erin's place in my heart is secure and Cody will earn his spot with time and memories!!

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  25. *tears* David ... David such a tender story. I can imagine how you feel when you watch Cody playing, and sleeping, all those wonderful memories of Erin come rushing back. No doubt they are bittersweet.

    Cody came with Erin's blessing he told you so himself.

    Can't wait to read more of your adventures with Cody... While we keep the memories of Erin in our hearts :)

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  26. Nobody can replace the ones you love but they can put a band aid on your hurt and hope to fill the void left by those loved ones. When you open yourself to love again, you are letting the departed souls know that you love and miss them and are trying to go on without them in your life, they will understand...god bless.

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  27. @Debbie Bittersweet indeed but I've certainly embraced and welcomed Cody into my life. Our bond continues to strenghten with every passing day and many fun days lie ahead. Erin has her own place and Cody is making his, Thanks for stopping by!!

    @Sulekkha Wise words my friend!! It's impossible to replace departed loved ones but we all must move forward for ourselves and in honor of those who left this world too soon. Your comments are always welcomed :)

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  28. David, I don't have words for how happy I am for you. Do I believe Erin sent Cody to you? Absolutely. Her love for you is so great that of course, she wants you to be happy again. Why she had to leave you early, we may never know, but I do know that your joy is her joy, now and always. Because that is how good dogs love. :-)

    Blessings to you and your new friend,
    Orea
    http://orea-highervoice.blogspot.com/

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  29. Each pet in our lives is unique. One pet can never replace another, but makes its own place in your heart. I am glad to read of Cody. You have many adventures ahead of you... :D

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