Losing our delicious pooch, Orchid, because of a gene defect in both of her parents, brought about an unnecessary and early death for Orchid Good.

Her death caused utter despair in my Ultimate Concierge and me. The emotional love affair between Orchid and us was cut short because of breeding procedures. If only one of her parents had the gene she would have escaped degenerative myelopathy, otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

We spent one year, almost to the day, exhausting our efforts to give Orchid an acceptable quality of life.

Looking back, I question my wisdom.

I would often look at Orchid wishing she and I could have a conversation concerning her health. Though she was physically becoming more and more incapable of getting around, she ate very well and I thought this was a sign.

I imagined she was saying, “I have my problems but I still look forward to you sitting alongside me while I eat my kibbles mixed with chicken that I watch you prepare and drink my water. I still look forward to your kisses and hugs and soft words of encouragement and I still want to be a big part of your life.”

Now, three months later (it feels like a year without Orchid), I wonder if she was just trying her hardest to make me happy.

When We Knew It Was Time

One day, late in the afternoon, I came running into the room excitedly calling out, as always, “Orchid! Orchid! I’m home.” But, for the first time, she did not look at me. I knew it was a message and my heart broke into a billion pieces. I laid down on the floor beside her and cradled her in my arms.  My husband, being the decision maker that he is, was watching the scene unfold, and he made the call to the doctor…

As I have written previously, we were, like every owner of a pet who is ill, heartbroken. After a period of weeks, I knew that one day we would welcome a new pooch into our lives in honor of Orchid Good. She brightened our lives inexplicably.

Our Search

When we looked for our first Wheaten, Orchid, we investigated PAWS. Their mission is so heartfelt, bringing joy to both new owner and rescued pooch. However, we had no luck finding a Wheaten Terrier. It was explained by PAWS that Wheaten Terriers seldom need to be rescued. I believe in the PAWS mission statement 100%.

And so, I searched and searched for another soft-coated Wheaten Terrier. It was exhausting the number of emails I wrote and phone calls I made. However, it was a blessing in disguise because in talking with breeders, I learned how careful we must all be before we take home a new pet to love and cherish. Having AKC papers does not mean your puppy was bred with two healthy dogs. I had no idea of this, but now I am passing my information on to you. Take heed.

Our Flight With Destiny

After hours of work on my computer, and less on my phone, with no luck finding the right pooch for us, you may recall I shared with you that I had a serendipitous happening.

On an airplane with over 300 people, as luck and good fortune would have it, the couple seated near us were best friends with a woman who took in rescue Wheaten Terriers!

Immediately, the woman leaned over to me and asked what breed of dog we had. I answered, “a Wheaten Terrier.”  She looked at me in shock, informing me that her best friend rescued Wheatens!

“Maybe she can help you,”  she said.

Kindly, she offered to make a call to her friend. Her friend was very enthusiastic and gave her permission to give me her phone number.  I was over the top thankful and immediately, upon returning to our apartment in the sky, ran to phone her.

We had a few long conversations. She gave me fabulous advice. She taught me the ins and outs of how to search for the right pooch. By 5:00 pm the same day I met the woman, Sandy, who had nine puppies, one of them was ours.

Sandy is a member of the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America, otherwise referred to as SCWTCA. Their mission statement is to bring to perfection the natural qualities of the soft-coated Wheaten Terrier.

After the agonizing experience Orchid went through because of improper breeding, even with AKC papers, my Ultimate Concierge and I wanted to take every precaution to bring home a good-natured, healthy Wheaten.

A Sneak Peak

My new pup will come home at the end of August. Sandy has been sending me photos and short videos of the pups from which one will be called mine.

I want to share the pups weekly development with you. I know you would like to go through the experience with me and Shelly and we want you to, as well.

Wheaten Terriers are brown and black when they are born and slowly over the first year turn the color of wheat.

So, do not be shocked when you see them…

There are nine in the litter. We have no idea which of the nine is ours because Sandy is waiting to see their personalities emerge, which begins at six weeks.

Looking at the photos with big smiles, we watch the videos and laugh and then watch them again and again. All the while, I am smiling and laughing yet wondering deep within my soul if I could ever, ever, ever love a dog like Orchid Good. She owned my heart.

I express these feelings to my husband, Shelly, who answers, “You have a loving heart. You will adore our new family member.”

I think to myself, “No pooch could ever replace you in my memories, Orchid Good. But I do have the desire to open my heart and love dearly ‘the little mystery pup’ we will bring home in five weeks.”

Stay Tuned, Darlings!

Would you like to join with me in this adventure? Head over to my Facebook page where I will be sharing — once a day for the next few days — a video sneak peek at my lovely little puppy.

Have you recovered from the heartbreak of losing a pet? Please share your thoughts with me via Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram or in the comments section below.

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