It's funny how once you learn to live with animals, how quiet and empty and awkward your world becomes without them...even if it's only for a few days. I know that I will be sitting in my hotel room in the evenings this week listening for content dog sighs that never come and watching for sleek feline movement at my feet that isn't there.
And I will lie in my hotel bed, on the pristine, crisp white sheets, enveloped in peaceful quiet and I will think of my sofas covered in fur, of 2am cat "crazies", of muddy paw prints on the hardwood floors, of down-filled duvets forever tainted with the smell of wet dog.....and I will ache to be home. To be surrounded by cat love. To be encompassed by dog love.
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I read the article in Woman's World about Andrea and Sophie and thought it was wonderful. I have been in a line of work for the past 10 years that is lucrative but I feel my soul being slowly stifled. I have tried to escape twice, only to be sucked back in by financial circumstances. I am married to a wonderful man, but he does not make enough to support our household, so I feel somewhat trapped.
During my first 'escape', I created a website, Buster's Dog House (www.bustersdoghouse.com), devoted to dog care with a holistic bent. Unfortunately, I had to go back to work before I could really build it into something that would be financially capable of supporting us. My job was very stressful, so the website was shuffled to the back burner. Also, during this time, we lost our sweet Golden Retriever/Collie mix rescue, Buster (the inspiration for the website), to adrenal cancer. We were devastated, but adopted another rescue dog, our darling Golden Rettiever, Cosmo. After 15 months, I was laid off and took up the website once again. I made great headway, but again, finances forced me to return to the line of work that pays well but robs my soul. I know that the Big Guy Upstairs is leading me toward a dog-related endeavor (and I do know someone who owns a pet food company), but our financial situation has me almost paralyzed. Still, I feel compelled to pursue this (and hopefully help a lot of dogs in the process), so I must find a way to push through my fears. Since the article is so similar to my own situation, I am using it as my inspiration to find a way. Thanks Andrea--you may have given me the push I needed!
It's so true! I'm in the habit of bringing a stuffed animal along with me when I travel, so I can fall asleep with the illusion of my cat on the bed snuggled beside me.
I couldn't be without an animal in my home. Whenever I go into a home that doesn't have one, it feels dead to me, completely devoid of life. It makes me sad, actually and I don't linger very long.
When my daughter moved to TX with her two dogs (who I was TOTALLY attached to), I didn't know what to do with myself. I missed them for about a year until I finally adapted. I have replaced my time with other, more selfish, activities, but nothing will ever be as rewarding as spending time with them (except time with my work-a-holic husband). At least you know that you will see them again soon:)
A sign of a true love - we feel the same way when we are away from our pups. Hope your stay away passes quickly and you return home to lots of slurpy kisses. Where in Kansas will you be?
Woos, the OP Pack
Have a great trip. Safe travels.
Our critters greet us upon return like no other being. Beautiful images, Andrea. I love the bubbles.
This is one thing that causes me grief. I miss my kids and grand kids soooooo much...but when I go visit them, I have to leave George and Gracie behind. They tug at my heart strings the entire time I'm gone;-(
Hope your trip fly's by!
Great post today, Andrea. Every 5 weeks, we walk into the house and Beau isn't here because we have dropped him off at the groomer's. You may remember how much we missed him when we went to Maui for 16 days last year. I blogged so much about it. LOL It took Beau a day to forgive us once we were back home. Not fun.
Hi Andrea! Thanks for stopping by my blog and nice comments! Your photos are wonderful and you show so true love for your furkids:) Sophie is gorgeous! Have a great trip!
xoxo,
Thor and Mom
Have a safe trip! They will be loving you when you get back, I hate to leave Chance too, so I do understand..and yes I love the wet dog smell, it is like a balm for my soul:)
Got the magazine tonght at the grocery. It is lonely without your babies but you will be home before you know it. Be safe!
gosh, i totally understand how you feel. i was in europe for three weeks in june and i can't even tell you how much i missed my dogs. i knew i'd miss them, but i was totally unprepared for how much i missed them physically. i just missed having them curled up next to me on the couch, missed kissing them all the time. but, you should still enjoy your trip--just spend extra time with them when you're back! also--that bubble shot is super cool!
Woman's World? Okay. How did I miss THAT?! Can you send me a link?!
Sorry for all of you to be without each other. Life DOES feel empty without our precious friends. Happy for the lovely sheets and sorry for the lonesome heart....hugs to you.
Enjoy your trip...but hurry home! They miss you at least as much as you miss them!!
Lovely photography...
Hi Andrea,
I came across your blog through the Woman's World article. Your dog Sophie is adorable!
I guess I just wanted to say, I've been truly inspired by your story. I've been out of work for sixteen months now, and it's been a dreadful experience. I've been doing little side jobs here and there, but no "bites" for a real job at all. I'm definitely feeling more hope after reading about you! Thank you again for sharing your story!! :-)
Hi - I've just found your super blog(s). Lovely writing and images.
If you enjoy a good dog story drop by.
www.mossiestory.blogspot.com
and
www.madagainblogspot.blogspot.com
I know what you are feeling. I tend to think I see a cat out of the corner of my eye and quickly realize that the cats are at home. Hope you have a good trip and I'm sure you will be missed by Sophie and Elora.
Beautiful photos, and prose!
I'm a new puppy mum and have had to stay away from home a few times since we brought her home and I miss her so terribly! It physically hurts to be away.
Hang in there - only a couple of days left! :)
Wow! Thats something! Love is amazing!
Hi Andrea and Sophie, I picked up a Womans World yesterday..Lovely photo! They pretty much took your piece and ran with it. It should touch thousands of readers! Way to go!! :)
Awww...Andrea this is so sweet. I love how you describe Sophie and Elora. Through words, you passionately describe your love and it is felt in every photo and post.
P.S., I also love that first shot of the bubbles.
Have a safe trip, the babies are missing you too - and your wet human smell! ;-)
I was inspired by your story in Woman's World, too. You really have it right about traveling and missing them. It's great to see you combine your love of dogs with photography. I have a Rough Collie who's very active, so I am hoping to try some agility with him.
We're in full-scale shedding season right now, and, although I love my girls, I think I'd trade places with you just to get away from the dog hair. Aaaaaaa-choo!
Have a safe trip, love the bubble pic, I may have to try that..:-)
Your photos are lovely. Especially love the bubble with the blue. Great animal love!
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