Getting Over a Loss with a Gain
After my best bud Murphy passed away, I knew I could not go on in life without a dog. I explored all options of other breeds, but I knew my rightful place was with a corgi. Anytime I'd see another dog, I'd think "I bet he won't be as cute as a corgi, or as smart as a corgi." Anytime I'd see someone walking a puppy, I thought, "corgis are just better". I decided I had to stick with the breed, I had done so much research before Murphy and spent so much time figuring out what was best for me, I knew I was hooked.
Losing Murphy tore me apart, I never grew up around dogs, but once I got him, we clicked! He went with me every where, went through 3 moves with me (and 2 boyfriends ;-)). He truly was my best friend. We had a connection like no other and everyone noticed how great of a dog he was. My family and even our friends called me crying when they heard the news, I never thought one dog could touch so many peoples' lives. My family has a summer home in Michigan, and we'd turn around and Murphy would be getting on the neighbors' boat for a boatride, or hanging out on the other neighbors' deck. He was a gentle and kind soul. I could go on for hours talking about him!
It had only been a month since Murph's passing that I emailed a breeder and found Louie. I wasn't really sure if I was ready for him, but when I saw his picture I said instantly "I'll take him". He was a corgi, just like Murph. He had big ears, just like Murph. He had white feet, just like Murph. But he was a total opposite. Murph was a sandy tan and white, Louie is a tri color. Murphy was calm from the day I got him, Louie is "spunky". The first time I brought Murph around another dog, he laid down and was very submissive, Louie began playing immediately with Toby, my boyfriend's rescue pomerananian mix, he barked and jumped and I knew I was in for something fun and different. Bringing Louie into our home (my boyfriend's home, where we live) brought back so much joy and laughter. Toby even seemed happier.
At 11 weeks old now, he sits, lays, speaks, sits up, and almost has shake down and he is even starting to break out the signature "corgi smile". Having a puppy is fun, but boy did I forget all the work that went into it! Potty training was a breeze because luckily the breeder had already started him and his littermates. And getting him to come on command is kind of hard without a treat, but he's learning. I often have to remind my boyfriend and myself in times of frustration that he's brand new and he has never seen things like a really big dog or had a leash on, and things like that. We work together to get acclimated to everything. He enjoys car rides, playing with "his brother" Toby, visiting my family and playing with the cats' toys. (We have 2 cats as well) He also sleeps on his back, about 80% of the time!
People often ask if I will compare Louie to Murphy and I have the same response every time. "No, I got the same breed because I was familiar with it and fell in love with it. But when you get another dog, you get to fall in love all over again. I could never replace Murphy and I know I never will, but I can fill the whole in my heart."
More to come on the adventures of Louie!
Comment
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Comment by Lois B. Allen on April 4, 2011 at 12:34am
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He is so pretty. I see in him the same type of front feet that my puppy Randy (23 weeks) had and Randy is a very big boy. I suspect that you may have a good sized boy also. But I don't mind and i bet you won't either if Louie grows to be a big boy.
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Comment by Lucy & Ricky (Wendy/Jack ) on April 4, 2011 at 12:22am
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OMG. I am already in love with Louie. He is adorable in upper case. I know about losing a beloved Corgi, but also know that each is different and with time they add a special quality to your life and help heal a broken heart. Murphy sounds like an amazing dog and I hope you post photos of both Murphy and Louie. Is Toby the dog that Louie is sprawled on top of? I love that photo. When we got Ricky, all he wanted was to snuggle with our 4 yr old corgi at the time, Lucy, but she would have no part of him snuggling. She's come around to let him lie NEXT to her, but not touching. haha. The wiles and ways of corgis. Louie is darling and is definitely a keeper. Wish we lived closer.
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Comment by Geri & Sidney on March 25, 2011 at 2:24am
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Louie is gorgeous. Congratulations! I'm so sorry about Murphy, he sounds like he was an amazing dog.
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It is hard. I'm sorry for your loss. I lost 2 last fall but have a new little boy, Randy, who is 21 weeks now and yes a lot of work but a lot of fun. I immediately started trying to get another one.
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Comment by Carole and Sophie on March 24, 2011 at 10:27pm
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Louis is adorable I am so happy that you and Louie have found one another - I am sure his sweet presence in your life will help your heart and soul heal from the loss of your beloved Murphy. Enjoy puppy-hood!
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Comment by Jane Christensen on March 24, 2011 at 10:21pm
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So sorry for your loss and congratulations on your new "cute" addition!
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Comment by Carry Mackenzie on March 24, 2011 at 9:17pm
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He is a cute little fellow- my guy is 13 weeks & yes it keeps you busy!!!
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Comment by Teresa Gilpin on March 24, 2011 at 5:15pm
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I am so sorry for the loss of Murphy, but so happy for Louie! I am also so happy you are able to make room for a new furbaby! He will be a different dog, but he will still share the same traits we all love in our corgis! They fill our lives with love and laughter! Keep posting your pics of Louie, he is totally adorable!!
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Comment by John Wolff on March 24, 2011 at 4:03pm
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Looks like a special dog you've got there.
We got Al at 12 weeks. If I had it to do over again, I'd spend a lot more time and be much more deliberate about training. I'd make a plan, list all the commands I want him to learn, and keep a logbook, and work on it every day, and make sure everybody in the family is with the program.
You will, of course, need a Nike Jr. children's 7" basketball, and a volleyball, from the local thrift store.
Take lots of photos because his appearance will change in the first year -- much of the black will turn to tan.
There are several threads here on the recall command. Several people have posted really good ideas for teaching that.
Our breeder told me definitely: no long hikes or big physical challenges in the first year; don't encourage leaping from tall buildings (no growth plate injuries, please).
He's beautiful. Lots of puppy pics, please.
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Comment by Roger/Laurie on March 24, 2011 at 3:57pm
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He is very cute and welcome to the world of "tri's". They are just a little different than the others. His antics will make you love him even more.
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