Thank you all for your thoughts. I am fortunate that I do still have 2 other dogs to love. Sassy is a 13 year old border collie cross that was part of an abandoned litter. She was about 12 weeks when I got her. I also have an 11 year old Corgi, Cassie (she came named, it's an accident that they rhyme). I got her as a rescue dog when she was a year old. She got diabetes about 3 years ago and although completely blind and relying on 2 shots a day to live, she continually amazes me with her tenacity.
OHC, I talk to my dogs like that.
I really believe that they understand. Cassie has to go everywhere with me as she requires meals at certain times, regular exercise, and 2 shots a day on a fairly strict time frame. I had been leaving my other 2 dogs at home with a friend to look after them when I was gone. But when my dog sitter told me how unhappy both dogs were when I left, I started taking them with me, too. OHC, I sit down and talk to my dogs in the same way you do. I told Sassy that I wouldn't leave her again...when I went somewhere I would take her if I could. I
know she understood--she looked me straight in the eyes and licked my cheek. I love all my dogs and cannot imagine my life without a dog in it.
My friends seem assured that somewhere down the road, another dog that needs a loving home will find me, as they seem to do. I told someone one time that I didn't want to be known as the "crazy dog lady" and they told me it was too late :giggle: Aren't dogs just the greatest!
This is my little Corgi--I need to dig up a picture of my Sassy girl.
http://www.marijuanapassion.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=87913&d=1226525770