Belle is my puppy and I am 71 years old. Some said, “You are too old to get another dog.” Others suggested, “ Get another rescue dog. They are usually older and easier to handle.” My brother Bill’s counsel was the one I needed to hear. He said, “You will never realize the benefits of another dachshund until you have one.”
2 years ago my beloved dog, Ashley, died. The time since then has been spent grieving the loss of her. She was my constant companion on my lap and by my side and I have missed her. Just thinking about Ashley brings tears to my eyes. As I grieved my loss faith opened my heart for another puppy. My desire felt risky and I began spending much of my time trying to talk myself out of getting another sweet dachshund.
I slipped into the rut of denying myself the desire of my heart for a puppy through negative self-talk concerning the disadvantages of getting another dog. My self-talk turned into contempt against my age and my heart’s desire. I was completely depriving myself of cherishing the goodness of “something” to care for and to birth something new during this time of my life. My heart longed for more life than I was living. There was simply too much space creeping into my life as a woman alive with desire to age gracefully and love largely.
So I asked myself a question, “What if I shifted this up a bit?”
A smile lights up my face as I recall Bill’s words because he was right: I’ve discovered the benefit of Belle. And shift it up, I did with John. Belle arrived at our home weighing in at 5lbs. 9oz. and 9 weeks old. She is exactly what John and I need to add some bounce back into our life. Belle gets us up off our chairs and out of bed, she demands walking and feeding but mostly she requires lots of love. I’ve discovered I am not short of giving her just that as Belle’s presence has reignited my heart’s capacity to love and nurture the life she brings.
Recently I was recalling a time when Ashley was still with me. She and Regan (the dachshund who favors John) were outside doing their business. A 5 year-old girl who was visiting us was observing my interaction with my dogs. I was praising Ashley and Regan using words like “so good, you are the best doggies, so sweet, my favorites, I love you…” This little girl looked me in the eye and said, “I wish someone would talk to me like that.” I was saddened by her words. I wondered what words she was hearing regularly about herself that caused my words to resonate so deeply within her? I don’t have the answer to that question. It was enough that she voiced them, and I could take note of the kindness I wanted to shower her with while she remained with us.
Belle has brought those words back into my heart as I’ve found myself repeating them over and over to her. My dog trainer said that I cannot praise my puppy enough and that I need to speak words of praise to her consistently. How true this is…not just for Belle but also for the children, including my grandchildren, who cross my path. Belle has reminded me that I need to savor those words for myself as the little girl within me still longs for the approval and love of others.
I love Belle for the sweetness and goodness she has brought back into my 71 year-old heart. She is the dachie on my lap and follows me everywhere. John and I laugh daily at her antics as well as our own as we strive to be a couple with a new goal: To out live the Belle!
Mary Jane Hamilton loves her life living on Lake Michigan with her husband of 48+ years. It is her family that brings her the greatest joy especially her 6 grandchildren. MJ readily admits that she adores her dachshunds and rests in the comfort they provide. She smiles at life and “rolls with the punches”. MJ loves Jesus and beauty, MJ loves wind, waves and thunder, MJ loves fashion and good wine, MJ loves…&n
I inherited my friend Jim’s dog when Jim died 6 years ago. I did not grow up with dogs, and Jim was her alpha. It was a steep learning curve for me, but she has trained me well. In my darkest sadness, she forced me to get up and out for a walk. She kissed away my tears and snuggled with me every day and night. Looking back, I don’t know how I would have survived without her. She makes me laugh every day and has taught me so much–including how important it is to praise her, myself and everyone else I meet. I remind myself that dog is God spelled backward for a reason. Such a gift. Congrats.
Thank you, Madeline…somehow I knew that my puppy would resonate in your heart💗MJ
Mary Jane I’m so happy you have a new puppy in your life!! Dogs bring out the best in us with their unconditional love and their sweet natures. Every dog is different in personality but all special. Much like us humans. Enjoy her. I’d say she is one very blessed and lucky dog to have landed in your lap where she will be loved lavishly and praised daily. .
Belle certainly brings the best out in me. Thank you for responding to this post. She continues to hold her position as the dachie on my lap💗MJ
Love this. Thank you.
You are so welcome…💗MJ
So glad you are writing, Mary Jane!
We had to put down our old shepherd, Tex, last autumn. I still feel the emptiness without her. I know we want another dog at some point, but I’m enjoying not having another creature to take care of right now (my three kids run circles around me as it is!). Still, I miss her everyday and I’m aware of my desire for a new, furry life to love and share companionship with.
I love that you got a new pup and the energy and pep she is bringing to your lives! Thanks for sharing this with us today!
Sorry about your Tex…I understand the emptiness she left in your life. You will know when it is time for another. Thank you for responding to my post💗MJ
What a sweet puppy. I am so glad that you stepped into desire and opened up to receiving her. After sobbing through A Dog’s Purpose last night with my husband and youngest girls, I have a new appreciation for how dogs help us to be in the moment. You also remind me to remain open to possibilities, as my husband and I often say, “We are not getting another dog when the kids are grown and Dewey (our 13 year old daughter’s dog) is gone. We just don’t know, do we? Enjoy every moment and walk and snuggle. Welcome, Belle!
Thank you for responding to my post. I thought I could get along without another dog but God had another possibility for me. I’m so happy with Belle💗MJ
MJ loves…yes she does…and she loves well. I’m thrilled that you have Belle as the dachie on your lap! You inspire me to entertain welcoming another kitten into my life—my cat of 16 years died just before we moved to East TN and it has been such a deep loss for me. My Tom’s health and dislike for animals prevents another animal at this time but I frequent the local animal shelter to give and receive the love I desire. Much love to you, MJ. Christine
So glad you have a place to get your kitty fix. Thank you for reading my post. I’m enjoying Belle more and more each day. Blessings to you…I miss you lovely smile💕MJ
Mary Jane, what a tender story. It is indeed a pleasure to read such an honest essay about the love lessons that a beloved pet can bring into our hearts and lives. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Melodie
Thank you so much for your kind response. Belle is certainly a beloved pet…I’m enjoying every ounce of her puppy body and her sweet personality💕MJ
I love that you said yes. What joy you bring to Belle and to your heart. You loved Ashley well and grieved deeply. Grateful for the yes.
Thank you…I’m glad I said yes as well. Belle becomes more endearing each day. My heart becomes more tender as well. We make a grand pair💕MJ
So many things to love about this…first of all being how much I love seeing a story from you here again!! And then Belle. I am so glad you listened to Bill, and even more to your heart, that knew there was more. Just last weekend, we had our kids’ new puppy here while they were away…and you are so right about how much joy and life they bring, how they require you to get up and moving…in such a good way. I was surprised how much I smiled just watching him bounce around so playfully. Belle is lucky, and I am so glad for you that you once again have a beloved Dachie on your lap. ❤️
Thank you, Janet. Belle delights my heart more each day. So glad you have had the experience of a little dog in your home. And it feels right to be writing again. Belle’s presence does influence my outlook on life in ways that tenderizes and surprises my heart…stay tuned for more💗MJ