A New Addition
By Amber
@AmbiePam (92714)
United States
March 7, 2011 4:36pm CST
I want to introduce you to a new member of my family. So many of you have been so great since my Sherlock (my dog for those who don't know) died unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. I appreciate all of the support. March 1st was my 30th birthday, and I got a very sweet birthday present. And I named her Annabelle. It's a long story, and I didn't expect it to happen, but I ended up with a female 10 week old Chihuahua that was absolutely free. No one bought her for me. No one paid a dime. It involves a stray pregnant Chihuahua and a couple who have a big heart.
As soon as I can upload the photo of Annabelle, I'll post it here on mylot. I'm still not over Sherlock. I've cried almost every day since he died, although I haven't been sobbing like I did the first week after it happened. This past week has been tough for other reasons as well, but I feel blessed to have Annabelle.
Are any of you dealing with a loss that still hurts you? And what has been the best free gift you have ever been given? I guess you can count things you have won in contests as well.
Thanks again to those of you who have reached out to me. You know who you are.
11 people like this
21 responses
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
7 Mar 11
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Sherlock! It's devastating to lose a beloved pet, really not much different that losing a member of the family. I hope you have great memories, and that Annabelle will start a new chapter of new memories. Can't wait to see pictures!
3 people like this
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
8 Mar 11
Annabelle sounds like a sweet dog and the name is so sweet. I felt your pain when you posted about the loss of Sherlock. It will take time to heal and you will never forget your Sherlock.
I do hope that Annabelle can fill some of the loss. 
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I'm so sorry to hear about Sherlock, gosh we've had a few unexpected pet deaths here on the lot haven't we?
Its great that you have gotten this new baby, and that she so desperately needed a good home, and you know that you are going to give it to her.
About a month after I lost my beloved cat, Sab, I was told about a Siamese kitten needing a home. I went and looked him over, he reached up and leaned his head against my cheek and I was sold.
Granted, he only did that about 4 more times in his entire LIFE, but he did it then and I loved the Doctor a LOT, still miss him and his funny ways.
2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Mar 11
Awww, I am soooo happy for you..I also understand that you still have feelings towards Sherlock, but I am sure it won't be long until Annabelle has you running around..lol I never really had gotten another dog right away after losing one, but as you know, my neighbor's dog was wonderful in my grief, both times..:) I can't wait to see the pictures, I am sure she is adorable..
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Mar 11
Oh, and I should have remembered that March 1 was your birthday, so Happy Belated Birthday...
2 people like this
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I should NEVER be too busy to forget a friend's birthday!!!!! But here are as many hugs as I can give you.....
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
8 Mar 11
ambie pam lost two responses now. try again. I was in the hospital when you lost your Sherlock so did not know about it. I am so sorry
as it hurts so much to lose a pet and more so when it was unexpected'
like that.I received a surprise gift in a way from God
as after I fell my right knee hurt so much I was sure it was broken
but no no broken bones but my poor nose.However I could not stand to
walk on my right leg thus the rehab hospital. God heard my prayer and I was given a surprise gift as most people my age do break legs and hips
in a bad fall.
I will really look forward to seeing a picture of the newest member of your family she sounds really cute. this will ease some of your
pain although she will not replace Sherlock of course.also Happy Birthday
to you, Happy Birthday to you Happy Birthday dear Ambie Pam happy birthday to you and many more
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (92714)
• United States
8 Mar 11
You know, you're right. Broken hips are really common as we get older. I'm so glad you didn't have one. So many other health problems seem to occur when recovering from a broken hip. I hope your nose isn't bothering you right now. I wince just thinking about it!
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
9 Mar 11
Hi Hatley, I'm so sorry about your accident. I haven't been here
much myself lately so I am just so happy to see that you are
getting well and are back here again. I'm also glad that your
injuries weren't any worse than they were, although they were
bad enough. Hope you continue to mend, Love and Hugs, Opal/Leslie
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
8 Mar 11
The best free gifts I have ever gotten have been friendships. I am glad you have Annabelle as I understand some of the stressors that are happening in your life. Hope all goes well and you and the "baby" form a really great new life together.
2 people like this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
8 Mar 11
Reggie has been gone for 7 years...and I still cry when I talk about him...I told the kids that they grew up and left home and he stayed here with me.....I am so happy you got Annabelle! Can't wait to see her photos! I can't think of the best free gift I have ever been given.....I have been blessed with many....
2 people like this
@CatsandDogs (13963)
• United States
8 Mar 11
That's wonderful AmbiePam! I just know Sherlock would be so proud and happy to know another dog will be loved just as he was. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me one bit if he had a part in this taking place. Love transcends everything. I can't wait to see a picture of little Annabel! I'm SO happy for you!
2 people like this
@jerzgirl (9291)
• United States
8 Mar 11
I can't wait to see Annabelle. That's a good name for a Chi. She must be so little being only 10 weeks old. What color is she? Ours was marked like a tiny little Dobie. She even had little orange eyebrows! Her name was Pepe. She was 15 when she passed.
2 people like this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
8 Mar 11
That's great, Ambie. I'm so glad for u. I know noone will take sherlock's plave but annabelle will help. U have someone who needs u & someone to love & that's what it is all about. The only gift i can think of off hand is my grandson. He's definitely the best gift i have ever received. Anxious to see your pictures of your new puppy dog.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
8 Mar 11
First, Happy Belated Birthday! I hope you had a great day. Annabelle will be a wonderful addition. You never forget the ones you've lost, but the pain does subside in time. I still think of my 10 Shelties I've had since 1981, but then the two I have now always remind me they're here and need a scratch and a treat...
2 people like this
@inu1711 (5285)
• Romania
8 Mar 11
I'm so glad that Annabelle found you! You both needed each other, this is for sure!
I know how hard it is when a beloved dog need to go. I lost my dog in 2009 and even though I knew she had to go (the vets had been telling me to let her go for almost a year when I took that decision) I still suffered a lot. For you it must have been even harder, as Sherlock was young when the accident happened.
Now that you have Annabelle it will be more easy to you to move forward. You will never forget Sherlock, but you will stop crying now that the little one will fill your life with joy again.
Our home was again full of joy when Binne came. She made me forget the sad days when I struggled to help Nera fight her illness. I will always keep the sweet memories of Nera but Binne helped me pass through that difficult moment.
@calpro (930)
• India
8 Mar 11
Hi AmbiePam,
Sorry to know about your Sherlock, but I am happy to know that you have come out of the grief in the best possible time. Since you are lucky the loss has been substituted by Annabelle.
But there are many in the world where the loss cant be restored. Anyway I am really happy for you and Annabelle. Wish to see a Picture of Annabelle.
Wish you both joy filled life.
Happy Living
Calpro
2 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
8 Mar 11
Sweetie I am so glad that you have a new Baby, no the Pain will not go for a long time, but Sherlock will be happy because he knows that Annabelle has a loving and caring Mummy now, which she might not have got, Sherlock is letting you know this way that he is with you still and always will be, believe me all my Babies stayed with me, till they knew I would be ok and I know that they are still close by
Hugs to you Sweetie and welcome Annabelle, Gissi says Hello and sends his Love to you and kisses, he is looking forward to getting to know you little Sweetie
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
8 Mar 11
was looking for a pic of your new puppy.
But so gald someone just gave you one.
I lost mine about 3 1/2 years ago and we did get another pup little oer a year ago but I cant cotton to her hse just not my kind of dog I guess and then too she is my granddaughters dog.
I guess I can count winning when I go out like some last night won $20
1 person likes this
@ellie333 (21016)
•
8 Mar 11
Hi AmbiePam, Such sad news about Sherlock, you must be devastated bless, hopefully Annabelle will help uplift you a bit as the loss of a beloved pet is as great a loss as a family member as they become family over the years. Sherlock will be happy in Doggy Heaven knowing that you have some company with your new puppy which I can't wait to see. My latest unexpected gift was a cheque which has allowed me the finances to renew passports and book to see my mother who lives abroad. Huggles. Ellie :D
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
9 Mar 11
Oh my dear sweet Amber~ It is so wonderful to finally hear from
you. I know how much it hurts to lose a furbaby that you loved
so much and I know how very much you loved Sherlock and he
knows too. But, now Annabelle needs your love too and for whatever
reason you were meant to be together. And she is so lucky to
have YOU! You can still give her all your love and Sherlock will
understand. I got Star & Luna just a few weeks before I lost my
sweet "Cougar". It still breaks my heart to think of him and it's
been 7 years, as old as the "boys" are. But, having Star & Luna
really helped with my loss and now I love them more than anything
too. Just enjoy little Annabelle and I can't wait to "meet" her!
Love, Les
1 person likes this
@Hephzibah (20)
• South Africa
8 Mar 11
Hi, so glad you've got a new doggie. May she bring you lots of joy, wet kisses and warm, furry hugs!
I lost my Jack Russel, Jackie, a year ago. She was ten years old and just developed a brain tumor. Within a week she was gone. I miss her still!! :(
