What's Up With Hazel?

So, what about Hazel? Those first couple days after losing Olivia, watching Hazel was pathetic. Every morning, upon awakening, she'd bolt down the stairs and immediately start searching for her companion throughout the house.  In the kitchen, behind the sofa, in the backyard, out the window, sniff, sniff, sniff, where are you, Olivia?

Then it's like she would suddenly remember, and she'd flop herself on Olivia's pillow like a wet rag and just lie there, heaving the occasional sigh. As if my heart wasn't already breaking, watching Hazel mourn was like rubbing salt in the wound.  I know how you feel, girl. I miss her, too.

But today Hazel is thriving and adjusting to her single status better than I could have hoped for. Of course it helps that I'm heaping her with affection, taking her on marathon walks twice a day, and bringing her with me when I run errands, something I couldn't always maneuver with two dogs. She's probably thinking, "Hey, this isn't so bad."

I'm also taking her to doggie day camp once a week so she can enjoy a little canine stimulation and socialization while I'm at the office.  I don't know what goes on at these soirees, but when I pick up her 10 hours later, she is exhausted, raising her head only to eat dinner, and then returning to her pillow to pass out until the next morning. Let me tell you, this dog snores like a buzz saw.

I'm repeating everything I did after Elvis died--at that time, I focused all my attention on Olivia and that's what helped cement our bond. 

In time there will be second dog, I'm sure of it.  Yes, two dogs are more expensive, more messy, more work. But dogs are pack animals, and watching Olivia and Hazel interact together--walking belly-to-belly, sleeping side by side, and even drinking from the same water bowl (even though they each had their own)--confirmed my belief that dogs may love their humans, but they need their peeps, too. 

I'm just not ready for that second dog, though. Not yet. I still miss my girl too much, but that's okay. Like I said, in time. 

For now, it's Hazel's turn.