A Week Later

It's a week later, and I am still missing Hattie terribly.  I look at her pictures every day and try not to well up with tears.  Sometimes I succeed.  Today I finally unpacked the several boxes of bedding, food, toys, and paraphernalia I shipped ahead to myself to have soon after arrival.  I am keeping everything; it's in a closet now, but I don't want it all to go to waste, whether I use it or donate it.  I'm supported by the strength of my community, both here in Jeddah and throughout the world.  Every day really does get a little bit easier.  I still haven't been able to recount fully in writing what happened, because it's too heartbreaking.  It was pure negligence and never should have happened.  But, I can't change the past, so I have to keep moving forward.  And I do.  People have been kindly suggesting sources for cats and dogs to adopt, and I'm sure I will end up with one or the other soon.  Cats are easy, because all you have to do is open your door to find one in need of a home.  I met an adorable dog tonight, a Tibetan terrier, and his breeder is local.  And I've heard of local rescue groups and individuals.  So there are possibilities.  The hardest thing is getting used to a routine without a dog.  I don't have to take her out first thing in the morning or when I get home from work or before bedtime.  I can leave food on the coffee table while I run to get something in the other room without fearing it will be discovered and re-appropriated in my short absence.  But I truly miss those things.  I miss having her at my feet while I am on the computer.  Most of all I miss the companionship and having her by my side all day and all night.  Each day is a new day, and her memory will forever live on.