Last night I was rummaging around in the refrigerator and noticed a bottle of water. I don’t usually buy them because I prefer to filter and store my own tap water. The thought of all that plastic hanging around in the environment makes me cringe.
But, I bought some recently and saw that half-full bottle right smack in front of me.
I started to grab it to empty in Stuart’s water bowl. Crap. No more water bowl.
They say it takes about 30 days to form a habit. Or maybe 21 days. Something like that. Does that mean it takes the same amount of time to break a habit? Or have it just go away?
It’s been roughly 240 days since Stuart crossed the bridge.
You’d think I’d have stopped reaching for the water bottle by now.
Or stepping over the blank space on the floor next to the bed in the middle of the night.
Or expecting to find him waiting at the front door after we’d gone out for a few hours.
Or making sure the gates are closed.
Scotties – anipals in general – are habit forming. Living as a family of three is habit forming. So are pooch kisses, belly rubs and the click clicks of toenails on a hardwood floor.
Maybe it’s time.
The Scottie Chronicles - Winston's World 
I hear you… and if you think it is the time, then your heart probably spoke to you. Hugs to you and the bestest luck :o)
Thank you so much.
‘Tis.
‘Tis indeed. : )
Stuart would agree.
McDuff & Mom
I think so, too.
Maybe it’s time for what? Time to break all those habits/routines? If so, there is no timeframe that can be put on that. Maybe they’re habits you keep doing because they are so connected to someone who was such a huge part of your life that you don’t want to let them go. Time to live again as a family of three? If so, then by all means! Then you can continue all the “old habits”, which is easier than trying to break them!!! Clicks of toenails on hardwood floors are very reassuring. (We would say the “tick tick of toenails” at our house, or “You cold hear him tick ticking down the hall.”.)
Time for some “tick ticks” at our house. I think you’re right on both fronts. Thank you
A very wise man [psychic] told mommy to leave the water bowl filled because the spirit of her first dog [Great Grandpa Toggie] still visits….. so don’t feel foolish. Stuart is glad you keep up those routines – and who knows, maybe a pair of scotties will be living with you one day soon! Two is much more fun…. xxoo Ozzy & Callie
OOooooh! I love that. Toggie still visits! I believe that, too.
Who knows what the future holds…..I just hope it holds a pooch. Sent by Stuart and BoBo.
I don’t think our hearts ever stop missing a loved one, especially with so many wonderful memories to remind us of them. My heart hurts when I see something that reminds me of my precious Jolie Amie. When do you think you will be ready for another pup?
Oh, Charlotte, I feel your pain. I really do. So sorry for your loss.
The Dad Peep is ready now. And I’m turning the corner. We aren’t actively looking, well, maybe we are, sort of, but open to the whatever happens.
Stuart will send us a sign. BoBo, too.
Dad was way ready before Mom. He kept asking about when he could have another. Mom reluctantly started looking, thinking it would be a long while before she found one. But then in a couple of months Ruby stole her heart again and she said OK. Sometimes things find you and not the other way around. Ruby is still a pain in our arse…all she wants to do is PLAY. But I ‘spose she can stay.
Things do have a way of finding us when we need it most just when we think it’s too hard. Thanks for reminding me!
It only takes Kaci and Kali one day to form a habit if it involves them getting food.
Yes, it is time. Get an anipal who NEEDS a home, Stuart would want that and it is the best way to honor him. If you wound up with one even half as good as Stu, you’d have something special.
FOOD. Yes, good habits to have.
We’d love to welcome a needy pooch into our hearts and home. We’ll know when the timing’s right.
Half as good as Stu…that’s so kind of you to say. Can you imagine the shenanigans Stu and Kyla are up to? Lordy me.
Yes for me it would be time to have another pup that needs hugs and belly rubs and fresh water in the bowel. Keep your habits and use them for some pup that needs all the love you have to give.
Couldn’t have said it better Bentley. Thank you.
It might just be time to add a new family member. When we added Skye to our family it wasn’t like when Raelinn and Bonnie were with us. Skye has a completely different personality. She has made her own place in our heart next to Raelinn and Bonnie. There is nothing like having a scottie waiting when you come home and asking for belly rubs or seeing those cute two little back feet laying out straight. The best thing we did was to get Skye!!
Sigh. You’re right about those black feet and everything Scottie. Give Skye a belly rub from Stuart, OK?
I certainly will give her a belly rub from Stuart!! She is sending you a Scottie kiss!!
Are they habits or heart memories..so hard..anipals do not come with an off button..and those little habits are as woven into our day as they are in our dna..Forrests outside bed is still there..and i still catch my throat when i see it..we did have a meet and greet with a 15 year old pup whose peep had gone into aged care..Doc was not happy..we were so sad that it did not work..three days later Doc had a seizure..we took that as a sign he needs all our time right now..if it’s time for you then take those heart memories..go let Stu find you a friend..he will make sure the right little soul comes your way..it’s not about replacing him it’s about showing Stu that he mattered..he made you complete and that there is a pup out there that deserves to feel the love he felt…xxxx
Thank goodness Doc’s OK. This pains me for you. And you’re right, somewhere there’s a pup for us who needs us. You, too. Doc needs you more than ever now. Hug him for me, will you?
Thanks for the “heart memories” – lovely.
I agree about what a waste water bottles are when now they have all sorts of ways to filter water that leave less of a carbon footprint on our abused EARTH! Now, they even have the individual bottles to refill with filters in them!
Anyways…a habit may take only 30 days to break, but a habit of the HEART? Hmmmm? No way, Jose!
Hugs to you, Dear Peepstress, and thank you for the Darling pictures pf Angel Stu that you shared with us today! Is Sweet Toby in the one with the “Water for Friends” pic?
Riley-Puppy and Tessie-Girl
Thank you for the hugs. Much appreciated. No, that’s not Sweet Toby in the photo. That was a visit from Godmother Carol and her pooches. Sweet Toby. He’s romping cancer free in the big Scottie Park in the sky.
It is good to know that you are considering an addition to your family. It won’t take away your love of Stuart, it will only enhance it.
You’re right. It’ll be another journey.
amen sister! amen. ❤ ❤ ❤
Amen is right. Sigh.
We keep calling poor Edward, Benny
Lily & Edward
Poor Edward! We called Stuart BoBo a lot. You’re not alone in that my friend!
Maybe 🙂
It’s time to start thinking about it, yes. Thanks!
The fact that you’re even considering whether or not it’s time, is good! It’s time when it’s time. You’ll know…or maybe someone will find you…sometimes it happens that way, too. 🙂
I think it’s good, too, Jackie. The Dad Peep brought it up first. Exciting, scary and sad all at once. I hope someone finds us! Thank you friend.
We just know that Stuart and BoBo will find you the perfect addition to your family – and then three you will be! As you belong.
Edgar and his mum