Readjusting our Routine

It is funny how we settle into a routine in our lives. We just do things without consciously thinking about them through out the day. This has become so clear to me since getting home and not having my little shadow following me. I go to the door to let her in because I don't sense her following me, I put scraps of food aside for her, I start to go out and give her water in the morning, I want to pet her with my feet when I am at the computer working; all things that were part of my daily routine that are no longer necessary.

I have been surprised by how my children have handled the loss of our dog. My son has never paid that much attention to her. He has always been kind to her and loved giving her treats in the morning, but not a lot more than that. My daughter on the other hand was always doing something to her. She would kiss her, hug her, let her in, give her treats, etc. She is my animal lover. Since finding out about her passing, it has been my son who has taken it the hardest.

He wanted me to give him a picture of her so that he could keep it in his room. When I got home yesterday he was sitting on my husband's lap crying for Chelsea. He has come up to me several times,with tears in his eyes, and tell me "Mommy, I miss Chelsea."

My daughter on the other hand, had a hard time when we buried her. She really cried and was worried that Chelsea would not be okay under the dirt. But after that, she has not really said too much. She hasn't cried or talked too much about her.

We all have to readjust our routine, to move on with our lives without our little dog. As for me, it will be a long time before I get used to the fact that my shadow is gone. I miss her terribly.