Our sweet Gracie Girl left us almost eight months ago. My heart hasn’t been the same since. I wondered if something was wrong with me that I couldn’t get back to feeling like myself two, three, even six months after her death.

Since I was small, I have been keenly aware that I value animals as much as people. After Gracie passed away, it occurred to me that her presence was medicine for me; for my heart. This week, I discovered that to be true.

Some friends of our family asked us to take care of their beloved family pet, Seven, while they went vacation. We agreed, after all, it had been too long without a furry love here in our house with us.

Ten days ago, our guest arrived, and his visit for me has been absolutely medicinal. His penchant for snuggling, sense of humor, his quirkiness and sweet, calm demeanor had an influence over our busy and sometimes inflamed household, at least for me, like Pepto Bismol being poured over my heart and aching soul.

Seven prefers to be with people, preferably on a lap, or lying across them on the sofa despite his fully grown Doberman Pinscher body. His funny little quirks included lifting his butt cheek up and planting it on a surface like a human would, or just walking up to me and resting his sweet face squarely in the middle of whatever I was doing. Such a lover, this guy!

This boy’s love breathed new life into me, and reminded me of how life-affirming it is to have a furry love with me here at my house, and that it didn’t have to necessarily be Gracie. It did feel a little strange watching another dog play with her favorite toys or lying on her beds, but it also reminded me that life goes on after the loss of a precious friend, and if I find a new precious friend feeling guilt isn’t necessary or helpful.

This borrowed source of love has reminded me of the joy I can feel when spending time with furry relatives.

Do you know how it feels to have a furry love in your life?