Herring Happenings: Our Nixie

After Tess was born, Nixie started having extreme anxiety and we had to medicate her, but after about 6 months she got better and we weened her off. She was still pretty anxious and the girls really stress her out, but she would tolerate it. Well about 3 months ago, once Tess started walking, she became worse than ever so we chose to medicate her again. Well, after a solid month she wasn't better. At all. In fact, she got worse. She was crying, squealing, whimpering, vomiting, pacing, convulsing, staring off into space... She was not our Nixie. It was just awful to watch. I felt like we were doing her a disservice by keeping her here, in this environment that caused her such pain and anxiety. I hated medicating her. I hated watching her suffer. I hated that she was hurting. So, I prayed a lot about it and decided I was going to try to find her a new home. I realized it would take time and that I wasn't going to give her to just anyone but I realized it was time for her to be put out of her misery. And I sobbed just thinking about it.

Fast forward to June 22nd. It was time for Nixie to get groomed so when I picked her up I bawled and bawled and bawled telling Resa my situation. I completely trust Resa and she knows everyone and their dog. Literally. So I felt she would be a good starting place. She agreed, comforted me, and told me we would find her a new, WONDERFUL home. And, at that moment, I believed her.

And, by he grace of God, we did!!!!

Belle Duckworth called me THAT night after Resa told her about Nixie and we immediately bonded. She had just learned she was going to have to put her dog down due to cancer and told Resa she wanted another dog right off the bat to help her cope. For 30 years, Belle has only raised Schnauzers and will ONLY raise Schnauzers. So, that made me feel good knowing she loves/prefers them & knows their demeanor/temperament. Well, we decided to meet on Thursday of that week. She was putting her Schnauzer, Helen, down on that Wednesday so we felt Thursday would be best. When I walked into her home I immediately thought there was a strong possibility this could be Nixie's new home. She is the most precious little lady ever and lives with her sister, Trudy, who is just as precious. Their home is beautiful, clean, smells good, and decorated to the 9's with a designer dog beds in every room. I felt so good about things but still knew there was a chance this might not work out. Nixie could have disliked them, or them her, and so I just prayed all stars would align and that this would go off without a hitch.

And it did. Nixie was 'that dog' Belle was searching for after putting Helen down and I was elated the timing was so impeccable. They fell in love with her instantly and told me they would pay me, they wanted her that bad. That made me feel so good but I told them I could not accept their money. We left for Costa Rica on the 27th and she kept Nixie the whole time. We were in contact that week and Belle said she was adjusting really well, was calm and happy, was using the doggy door, and not tee-teeing in the house. I initially thought I would see Nixie one more time once we got home from CR but I refrained. Belle and I both thought it would be too hard on me and Nixie. So, here it is July 18th and I've not see my dog since June 27th. And, I cry because I miss her terribly but they're also tears of joy because they have made one another so happy. And that makes me happy. I truly believe this was a God thing and I couldn't be more thankful for His work.

We miss you baby girl and will forever be in our hearts, but you are so happy, doing just what you like to do. You're getting 2 walks a day, undivided attention all day long withOUT kids, and an adult bed at night. Life couldn't be any sweeter for you and I'm so glad Resa matched us up. Belle is retired and also best friends with our associate pastor, Shera Atkinson, at church. She's also friends with Phyllis, a lady in my bible study at church.

This was a God thing. Thanks for loving my first baby girl Belle. I'll be forever thankful for you and your sister.

Here are some photos Belle sent me. My heart is full and happy.