Many experts will tell you when you’re in the early stages of grief, you shouldn’t make any impulsive or life-altering decisions. I understood the logic behind that recommendation, but sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling. The day after Mike died I told the boys we were getting a dog.
This was both impulsive and life altering! Why? I never had a dog growing up and I actually didn’t even really like dogs! But Mike and I had talked about getting a dog. He grew up with dogs and was adamant the boys should have one. Plus both boys had been asking for one. So, I made an impulsive and life-altering decision, went against a lot of people whose opinions I valued, and followed my gut. We were getting a dog.
While I waited a couple of months, I never wavered on my decision. On September 8, 2016, we brought our new puppy home. I remember looking at this creature and wondering how I was going to know how to take care of it. But just like bringing a new baby home, instinct takes over and you just know what to do. It could have been a disaster. Our new puppy could have been a difficult dog, but she wasn’t. She was perfect. She was crate trained, potty trained, and had the calmest, kindest demeanor. It was like she was an angel sent to us from heaven.
The boys couldn’t agree on a name for our female puppy. I remember riding in the car with them and they were disagreeing about names. I quietly said, “Hey guys, do you know what both of your names would have been if you were girls?” They were silent. “I said: Allie.”
Allie’s been the light of our lives for three years now. While the boys love her and she loves the boys, Allie is very much my dog. She sleeps in my bed, she follows me around, and she’s always driving around Hopkinton in the car with me. She is one of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made in my life.
So, when people are telling you thing and your gut is telling you another, don’t discount your gut. Consider what your gut is telling you. It could be one of the best decisions you make!