Meet George and Lena-we adopted both dogs from rescue agencies in the Los Angeles area. Though in the canine world "marriage" doesn't really exist, we like to think of our pair as having some of the same relationship dynamics their human counterparts do. They have to keep a balance and coexist yet also have a symbiotic relationship. In a successful canine relationship (as in human ones!) they respect each other, provide affection and loyalty, and are good companions. Additionally (and as with humans), when one of the partners dies their absence is felt acutely. A grieving process begins that is both difficult and painful.
We found George in the spring of 2009 as a companion for our other dog Peanut. Sadly, Peanut suffered a massive stroke and died without warning last December 2011. Her passing left Karen and me quite shaken and bereft, not to mention the devastating impact it had on ten year old George. Their relationship, though often aloof and remote, had a unique affection and dynamic for both. We realized though it was probably sooner than we were quite ready, we needed to find him a new companion and partner.
Enter Lena, a four year old French Bull Dog. Lena, having had previous health issues that left her abandoned at a shelter, was fortunately rescued by a foster home. A friend had alerted us of her situation. We reluctantly went to see her.
When we met Lena we immediately realized that though she was diminutive in size, her heart was overflowing with love-and apparently we were ready recipients. She also seemed sensitive to George's idiosyncrasies. She was immediately smitten with him and he simply couldn't play his usual nonchalant and removed self. He related to her in a different way than he had to Peanut. He allowed her to groom him, be the instigator for snuggling, she even cajoled him into playing.
Through time their relationship has delightfully evolved and grown. Though it will never be the same as with Peanut, it certainly has a character of it's own. Lena has definitely impacted George's life (as well as Karen's and mine!) She's made it more complete, happier, interesting and helped to patch the hole in our hearts left by Peanut's passing.
We were very lucky to find Lena. We were all luckier still to be able to take that step forward to love again. We will never forget Peanut, how much she enriched our lives and how much we loved her. Through that love came the strength and ability to love again. Thank you Peanut. George thanks you, too.
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