I’m a big believer that the Universe gives you what you need when you need it. It’s happened again and again in my life.
Back in November, our beloved Riley died unexpectedly. I wasn’t sure I could come back from the overwhelming grief. Also inconsolable were major people in his life, who loved him almost as much. Countless friends of Riley’s expressed their own sadness for weeks. Many said they couldn’t imagine me without him. Neither could I. Some said they couldn’t imagine themSELVES without him. He was that kind of dog.
It was so hard to accept that he was not coming back. No matter how much we –or they–wanted him to.
There were days that I could consider having dogs again and days that I couldn’t even imagine it.
We knew that when the time was right we’d adopt older dogs or maybe special needs dogs. And from time to time I’d visit rescue sites and look around, and then donate money instead of adopting.
Around Valentine’s Day, one Facebook video about a bonded pair that had been turned into the shelter got my attention. A few days later I showed it to Michael. We wiped our eyes, looked at one another and nodded: these were our dogs. Here’s the video: (make sure you have volume & that tissues are handy)
A week in the shelter for this cute little duo before the rescue group pulled them out and into loving foster care just about did them in. Their foster moms did a great job helping them readjust. Plus they both had surgeries while in foster care (all is well with them now!) as their original home didn’t provide much (if any) veterinary care.
These precious pups have been through a lot, already. We didn’t want to put them through more.
Sweet Benji
But we had a month-long trip to the East coast coming up bounded on both sides by family events. We didn’t want to welcome them to their new forever home and then disappear for a month.
Still, I thought these were our dogs, so I emailed the Silicon Valley Pet Project about our dilemma. I wondered if it wouldn’t be better for them to have a chance at a home that could immediately take them. I wasn’t sure they’d be able to work with our logistical issues.
The SVPP asked us to apply. After deliberating for a few days, they asked if they bring Cutie and Benji over (with their two wonderful foster moms) for a home visit. We said “yes!” (Of course.)
Cutie (L) & Benji. Focused on some chicken. 😉
I might as well just cut to the chase: we fell in love. Big love. Can you see why? And so, they have joined our family.
He who holds the chicken holds the power.
Benji, an adorable 10-year-old toy poodle is a total cuddle bunny with an equally adorable hanging tongue (he had to have almost all his teeth extracted a couple months ago). He’ll be spending a whole lot of time in mama’s (my) arms. Just a lover. Cutie is seven, a maltipoo like Riley, and clearly a brainy girl. Shrewd and cute as her name, she is a HANDFUL! She and Michael have already connected in a big way and I’m certain they will have a GREAT time together!
Who has more personality, Cutie or her foster mom?
Right now, we’re taking the introductions slow and easy with home visits (and overnights) that are going well. Their lovely foster moms are helping us out while we’re away. We’ll be introducing our petsitters and our mobile groomer soon.
Yes, there’s still a void in our lives. There will never be another Riley. I still grieve his loss and I always will. He’s part of me, in my heart, and always will be. My soulmate dog.
But we’re certain that he had something to do with this adoption. And that Benji and Cutie (and their antics) will become social media favorites, and that we will love them just as much. In fact, we already do.
Benji and his wonderful foster mom visiting us. Yes, I know. The tongue!
So please welcome Benji and Cutie to the ‘hood!
Sleepyheads.
We couldn’t be happier to be their forever home and you’ll be seeing a lot of them on social media in the coming months.
Sad to hear of the loss of Riley, as I’ve been there with a special dog, and I’m glad to hear you found two friends with Riley’s help. I do believe our dogs help us find the best next dogs. I have a rescue Chihuahua that was dumped at age 6 with his sister on a mountain and left at the shelter for a week. You did good!
Reading this just made my day!!! All of our fur babies have been adopted and they are family. So happy that you kept them together. Congrats on the new additions to your family!
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Riley but I am thankful that despite your heartache , you found puppy pals that needed a loving home. And how cute is ‘Cutie’ and ‘Benji’ as well?
Aww loving all the cute photos esp. the first it just melt my heart and put a big smile on my face. Dogs are just more than a man best friend, They are such a great companion, we are still in the process of getting one or not. Because I knew when we get one I will be emotional invested to it. I can’t handle sickness or death that is my problem.
What a poignant account. Loved the happy ending. These two lovely dogs have found such a caring home. Happy for all of you.
Sorry about Riley, glad you have found another fur babies to complete your home. They look so adorable!
Pets are really hard to get over because they’re family! I’ve been there with losing pets and I still don’t own anymore. I respect your courage to move on!
Oh my goodness! Way to cute! Love that the foster mom’s are willing to work with you while you’re away! My sister went to Missouri to visit family about six years ago. Came home with her dog after someone was giving the puppies away in a Walmart parking lot from their trunk. I hope that all of my sisters pup’s siblings got a loving home like Gigi (her dog) did!
I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m happy for you and these two cuties that your paths crossed when they did.
Those are some really cute dogs. My kids really want us to get a dog. We may surprise them with one some day soon.
It’s awesome that you’re opening your family and your home to two little pups who need it. I think they’re really lucky to have you as their new family. I couldn’t help but feel emotional reading this post. I’m so happy for you!
Congratulations! They are adorable.
Sorry for your loss. I’m so happy for you with you new additions. So adorable! The last photo is too cute.
SO very happy and proud for you both. It sounds like it was a match made in heaven (literally). Looking forward to seeing them as regulars around the social media block. Blessings to you both, my friend. Way to go! xo
Such little cuties. Congratulations on the new fur babies. Enjoy spoiling them.
You’ll always have Riley. And now Cutie and Benji as well! Your life is complete! <3
I’m crying over here. They are so adorable and I’m sure they will fill your home and lives with fun, love and maybe a little trouble☺
What a lovely story Carol – with a happily ever after to finish it off. I’m so happy for you and your new fur babies – and I’m looking forward to seeing them become famous on social media 🙂
Oh my goodness! What a wonderful story! Welcome to the family you two cuties! I know you will have a wonderful life!
They’re so adorable! I’m so glad you have welcomed them into your lives. They will be lucky dogs.
I’m so happy for you Carol. No o e can replace Riley but these two will certainly fill your heart in a new way. They are so adorable.
Congratulations on the new additions to your family! They’re cutie patooteys. We adopted our beloved doggy over 10 years ago and he’s been a big part of our family ever since.
I am just SOOO happy for you. Love it up!
So happy for you and the pups ..that you have found each other…
Adorable!
Welcome Benji and Cutie! We do get so attached to our furry family members and it hurts so much to lose them. but I do believe that sometimes there is a sort of connection from certain pets that have passed to new ones, I don’t know how to explain it but I really do believe it.
Condolences on the loss of Riley. But how wonderful you both found and rescued a pair of adorable older but cute dogs. They will bring much love and laughter into your lives.
So happy for all four of you! What a beautiful ending to a sad story! Fairytales do come true!
Aw, what precious dogs! I’m glad they are helping you heal. It’s never easy when you lose a pet.
I also believe that the universe gives to us in its own time. It’s nice that you found a new dog. It’s heartbreaking losing one.
Congrats on your 2 new pets! I am sure they will be very happy in their new home with you.
I think Riley did a great job finding all of to for each other ❤️
I thought Riley did a great job finding all of you for each other. ❤️
Can’t wait to snuggle them both! Mazel Tov!
Oh Carol. I was crying ever since the beginning of the post. There is so much love to give and it doesn’t end with Riley. It would be part of hos legacy to give other fur babies a chance at a forever home. Welcome home, Cutie and Benji you are beyond lucky to be part of this loving family.
His* sorry for the typo. So emotional!