It has been months since I helped at doggy daycare. I (and Storm) stopped when Storm’s paw issues started. Even with four paws she would slide all over the floor there, so I knew I could no longer bring her when she only had three paws. But after Storm’s death I intentionally avoided it. I believe the power of puppies and that it might make me feel better but there were just too many memories there of her. That was HER place. She loved it there; once she knew where we were going she would go crazy. Even blocks away she would start to whine with excitement. One of the things I wanted to do with Storm before I put her down was to give her one last play at the daycare but that never happened. 😦
I know I need to socialize Benelli while he is young but I don’t get out much. Winter and cold bring pain for me. But after constantly telling myself and other people that I needed to bring him there, I finally took him on Friday. I was nervous hours before going in and had a cry session knowing Storm wasn’t coming with me. But Benelli and I finally made it.
He was terrified. I wanted to ease him into it so I placed him stay in the small dog section (which only had two dogs) for the first 30 minutes. He was not a happy camper and screamed (seriously, he was loud) at me the whole time. I then brought him out where I was in the big/regular section. He cried the whole time and clung to my leg. I laughed and would tell him that he is fine. After 30 minutes in the big/regular area I knew he had enough for the first time and brought him home.
paws2smile 
It must have been hard to go back there without dear Storm, but I’m so glad you did go and let Benelli meet other dogs. 🙂
Poor baby. I think I would be scared too, with all of those huge noses in my face. I’m sure it will get better. I’m glad you were able to make it back. Everything you do for the “first” time is hard. It will be easier the next time you go….not easy, but easier. Good luck. Benelli is cuteness overload!
Those kinds of situations can be terrifying with a pup. Always good to ease into it and take it slow. Hope more socialization will help your sweet little boy start to enjoy it.
Oh yes, I’m aware of that. That is why I put him in the small area first. We have been to the dog park one other time so it’s not his first time with a group of dogs per say…. He has really good social skills with humans, just need to work on dogs now. 🙂
I’m glad you got out there – it sounds like a tough time. I’m glad there were at least some happy, familiar faces there.
Yes, very tough. But yes, having some of my favorites there that day did help some.
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
GEE IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK HOME AGAIN—ISN’T IT?
It is! Thanks so much for the reblog. 🙂
It’s so hard when you lose your fur pals. We lost our lab unexpectedly at only 3.5 years old. My husband and I were heartbroken. I vowed I would never get another dog because I never wanted to go through the loss of one again. However, her loss quickly taught me that that’s the risk we take loving someone, including a pet and I was so happy to have known that unconditional love, even if it was cut shorter then I had anticipated. So, we ended up getting another dog and although our new dog never replaced our first one, she certainly helped heal our broken hearts and we also learned that there was room in our hearts to love another dog. She is now a big piece to our family who we are creating new memories with. Your pup is so adorable! I hope you were able to find some peace going to the place that brought you memories of your other dog, where you can now make new memories with this one!
Thank you so much for the kind comment. I also am learning that another pup helps heal the broken heart. At times I realize I am slowly letting him in my heart and realizing how much I already love him. I think it will be easier to add memories once spring/summer comes around and him and I can do things. There’s only so much you can do when it’s below freezing! Haha! 🙂