Meet the newest member of our family…Grizzly (Grizz for short)
We brought him home August 14, and he is now 12 weeks old. It was not an easy decision, despite how adorable he is; in fact, we agonized over it for 4 days. John wasn’t sure it was time, wasn’t sure he wanted another little dog, thought we needed more time to recover and “just be”. And I couldn’t argue with any of his reasons, I just knew we needed something to smile about again, some reason to not focus only on grief. I feel in my heart that Nitro put this little guy on our radar for just that very purpose. I’d joined some rescue organizations, and for kicks, Googled Westie pups in Wisconsin, not expecting to find anything out there (or anything not unreasonably expensive). Grizz was the last pup out of a litter of 4 that still needed a home. And, amazingly enough, he was in Linda’s hometown. My sister and I made the hour and a half trip, picked up Linda on the way, and went to see him. Of course he was beyond cute, but since John wasn’t able to come, I videoed him, and told the people I’d get back to them. I was given the “we have 3 other families interested in him”, but I just said if was meant to be, he’d still be available after the weekend. He was still available on Monday, so back I went (with sis and nephew – John was still unable to go).
Not sure if I was making the mistake of a lifetime, I brought him home. Kodi (who’d been with me both times we visited) was coolly indifferent to him; I figured this was better than outright hostility and that he’d come to accept the pup. It was a challenging couple of days at first – I swear this little guy had never been on grass before – but we survived. John has since admitted he was a good decision, that we needed laughter again. Kodi has even begun to play a little, or at least tolerate the unrelenting adoration of his big brother.
Grizzly is the “anti-Nitro” in a lot of ways, which is what I needed at this time. But he is also very “Nitro” in a lot of ways….he follows me everywhere, shares my cheese in the morning, and chases the laser light with a passion. He is so happy, and full of life, and he is slowly mending our broken hearts. I still think of my Warrior every day, and talk to him often. I think he is smiling down on us, and maybe laughing with us as well….Be good, mama loves you Warrior Angel!
August 31st, 2017 at 4:06 pm
OMD! such cuteness! and hooray for laughter! I’m so happy Nitro found Grizz for you – puppies make almost everything better. I love how well Kodi is tolerating his “unrelenting” brother.
I’m glad Mr. Grizz is supplying some healing for your heart!
love
Teri
August 31st, 2017 at 2:46 am
SO ADORABLE!!! I am so happy that Grizz has brought some much needed happy and joy into your life. Puppies are great like that! They help heal the wounds … and from what I hear… he’s got some “Nitro” traits …. Paws all over that one for sure. 🙂
I know this is just one step toward healing your heart but it is a really adorable one! XOXO
August 30th, 2017 at 11:46 pm
omgosh….so, so, so, soooooo cute! I’m so glad that your heart is feeling better..
w
August 30th, 2017 at 8:00 pm
Everything fell into place so perfectly Paula! The picture of him lying next to Kodi tummy up shows his trust in Kodi because that’s totally a vulnerable position for Grizz! Yup Nitros paws are all over this new addition. We’ll always love Nitro for so many reasons here…..he was truly one special boy! Glad he decided to share you with Grizz. He knows love is meant to be multiplied. 😉
August 30th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
This e tire lost and DEEEELightful photos have me all gossey bumps head to toe…and GRINNING!!! 🙂
I really like how you chronicled getting to today and how you are able to smile again because of this litte wild child! 🙂 Nitro is so thrilled to see you laugh again! And goodness knows, this puppy has brought you and John soooo much laughter!!
That first picture where you are smiling as you hold him on the first visit……see Grizz…..honest ro goodness that puppy has a smug grin on his face!! 🙂 He KNOWS he’s your and you are his!!!
E V E R Y sopingle photo and video of Grizz is sooooo ADORABLE!!! But one of my all time favorites forever will always be the one of sweet, tolerant Kodi and his brother Grizz who truly does adore him!!! I’ve said this so many times to you, but Gizz looks just like a little stuffed toy….especially kn that picture!! 🙂
As you know Paula, we ALL continue to grieve over Nitro, but by you sharing Grizz with us, it makes us smile and laugh…and laugh at lot!
Oh, and that photo f Grizz and Kodi on the couch with Grizz’s tummy pointing high to the sky….SOOOO CUTE!!! You said that he sleeps like that a lot and that Nitro slept with tummy and legs up to the sky….loooove that! And look, there’s “Nitro” watching over them:-)
All this unfolded as it was supposed to Paula!! And to know that Grizz knows what grass feels like now…to know he understands what being loved means….yeah…..all meant to be 🙂
Lots of love and HUGS
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too
August 30th, 2017 at 7:24 pm
Grizz is just adorable! I can’t wait to meet him this weekend! And Kodi, too, of course 🙂
Donna & Angel Murphy
August 30th, 2017 at 7:18 pm
Paula,
Grizz is the most adorable baby. Of course Nitro had his paws on this. He sent someone that he knew you needed. Laughter helps mend the heart. Doesn’t mean there won’t be “break down” days.
Nitro smiles every time he sees Grizz do something that brings a smile to your face. I think you will always talk to Nitro as I talk to Sassy.
I am so glad you are smiling and laughing. xoxoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy