Ribsy is delighted sad to announce that Whippet Snippets will solely and completely be about him again. It's so peaceful quiet without his pesky sister around.
Perhaps Guest Blogger Girl should take over this post. Let's begin again, hmm?
Here we go...:
I did the unthinkable. I gave away Mirabel.
Never did I imagine myself being one of those owners, one of those who gets rid of their dog when faced with a change in life circumstances. When a dog no longer conveniently fits in their future. When a dog takes up more time and effort than the joy it brings.
I am not one of those, I kept saying to myself as I turned to Mirabel day after day, wondering what I was going to do.
As a newly single dog owner, I had come to the inevitable realization that Ribsy and Mirabel were two whippets that, despite their strikingly similar appearances, had strinkingly different personalities.
Ribsy is like a houseplant. He basically just needs food and water and he will take care of himself. His needs are simple. His energy levels are minimal. He gets tired from being tired. Sleeping is a sport, and he is the champion.
Mirabel, on the other hand, is constantly wound up. Her energy levels are high. She may possibly get tired after a full day of hiking, running, exploring, and hunting. She stomps around the house, heavily and impatiently, anticipating the next adventure. She sleeps with one eye open so she can keep tabs on what's going on around her, in case there is something fun that requires her immediate attention and participation.
She is also an alpha female who put Ribsy in his place, whether that meant stealing his food, garnering the lion's share of attention, or snatching first dibs on the bed.
Ribsy was stressed. So was I, trying to meet the needs of two very different dogs, with my limited time and resources. Contrary to popular belief, I don't think it's always easier having two dogs instead of one, especially if the two dogs in question are completely indifferent to one another and do not play well together.
Mirabel needed more than what I could provide her. I was stretched thin beyond my means, and I knew something had to give. With a sad and heavy yet realistic heart, I began the search for a new home for her. It so happened that a nearby whippet household was looking to add a second girl to their pack.
The fit was ideal. Their whippet Piper was a sweet, bouncy girl who loved to play. We introduced Piper to Mirabel and they hit it off (quite literally, as a MacBook came crashing to the floor as they romped around the living room with unbridled enthusiasm).
The day soon came for me to drop Mirabel off to her new home. I washed her clothes and blankets, packed up her favorite toys, and gathered up her food bowl, leash and bed. The hand off was brief, as I became overwhelmed with a rush of sadness and guilt, but even within that short visit I saw how naturally Mirabel and Piper took to each other, and seeing that with my eyes once again reassured me that this was the right thing to do, no matter how much I ached.
The fur flying action in the house has definitely come down a few notches. But there's a peace and a calmness in the air that is welcomed, that is much needed in this stage of instability and transition. I do miss Mirabel's antics and larger-than-life personality but find comfort in knowing that she is in a home where she can fully be herself, where her enthusiasm for life shines as brightly as the twinkle in her slightly mischievous eyes.
I will never forget you. Don't ever let anyone diminish your spirit, refuse your hugs, or slow you down. Run, my sweet girl. You will always be my Mirabel.
Kisses to you.
