Well, some may know the story on how i got Lillie...
I had a beautiful German Shepard/Chow named Sadie Mae, she was 12 yrs old. I had had her all her life, she was my heart and soul. Sadie got real sick...a tumor on her jugular among other problems like heart murmurs and such. We had to put her down and i was crushed.
My husband decided i needed someone to help me, someone who could do it better than him. So he said....Let's pick u out another friend.
I came across an ad in the paper for chihuahuas. I had never owned one, but it's the only breed my grandma will have so i thought they had to be good dogs. I called the breeder and told him my story and that i wanted a female. He only had one and said he'd hold her for me. Someone else came by and gave him a better offer but he stuck to his promise and saved her for me.
She was so tiny, i had never held a dog so teeny before. She was born without a tail, but that only made her more special to me. That's why her name is Lillie Mae...after my beloved Sadie Mae.

Sadie has been gone for about a year now. Most people probably move on by now. But my heart still hurts so much. SHe was my best friend in the world. I cry every time i see her picture, every time i see her grave, every time i just think of her. I was told "It's not like she was human" But she was to me. And just b/c something is not HUMAN doesn't mean they are of less worth. I've been missing Sadie an awful lot here lately and it seems here is the only place i can have my "pity party". Thanks for letting me do that. Here's her Dogster page if u would like to know her full story.
http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=207504

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I just read Sadie's story and I don't think you're nuts at all. If you read my Gracie's story you'll see that I feel the same way about her. I've made a lot of progress in the past few months - I can look at her pictures and even talk about her without crying.

People who say "It's only a dog" just don't understand and there's nothing you can say to make them understand. We just have to work through our grief and try to fill the emptiness with our chi's. That seems to be the best medicine of all... chi love.

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I love my baby girl, Lily!
www.dogster.com/?124961 Lily
www.dogster.com/?127388 Gracie

We all share your grief. Im so sorry for your loss, we are always here for you. Im sure your SadieMae is so proud of you, that you let your love be graced onto another dog. I think all of our pets that pass love it when we go on to give another a forever home. Hugs

I don’t think you’re nuts either Tanya, far from it and don’t let anyone tell you “It’s just a dog!” they know nothing

You sound like a normal, loving dog owner who has had to let go of their special friend, anyone would be upset and I know exactly how much it hurts because I lost my Shih Tzu, Pippin, in March and I still cry when I think of him or look at a photo

We grew up together- I got him when I was 7 years old and he was put to rest just before his 16th birthday this year, it broke my heart, but you have to think of the good times and never feel guilty because you did the right thing and Sadie Mae knew how special she was to you. Your tribute page was beautiful- brought tears to my eyes

People who are insensitive enough to say things like “Oh just get another one”, “Aren’t you over that dog yet????” or “Anyone would think he/she was human” really haven’t got a clue - what you are feeling is real and I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you and sympathise enormously with what you’ve been through.

Keep strong and best wishes to you and your new Chi baby!

Take care, hugs,

Donna x

Just wanted to add... people who say "Get over it, it's just a dog" or "Just get another one" should be avoided. They are not your friends. If other people say it, chalk it up to sheer ignorance. I care what friends and family think - they know Lily is my life - but I don't care what people in general have to say on the subject. Their opinion is of no interest to me.

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I love my baby girl, Lily!
www.dogster.com/?124961 Lily
www.dogster.com/?127388 Gracie

I had a friend very similar to yours. I've often thought of making her a Dogster page alongside Josie and Ryan, but I don't know if I could write all of that information about her, let alone look at all her pictures again. She's been gone for about a year and a half and I still have trouble talking about her. She's still around, though. I hear her and so does my family. It's good to know that she still keeps watch over the house.

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http://www.dogster.com/?171081

you're not nuts ..... your story is so beautiful !!
such a beautiful angel ...........

kisses nat

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I totally understand how you feel and you are definitely not nuts. It is natural to grieve for someone you lost that was so close to you... whether that someone is human, canine or other.

It has been 11 years since I lost my cat. We had to put her down due to advanced kidney disease. She was suffering so badly and not responding to treatments. I still miss her horribly and it does get to me sometimes. It is so hard to lose a companion that means so much to you.

I am so glad you found Lillie. She won't replace Sadie but she will help you through the feelings of loss. ((hugs))