When Your Dog Leaves Your Nest, It Truly Is An Empty Nest

A few days ago the Preacher and I invited a friend over to our house for lunch. During the meal our friend asked, "Where is your dog, where is Sergeant?"

I was surprised that he asked. We thought everyone knew that our son had taken Sergeant back to Texas after his Christmas break. 

For those of you who might not know that Sergeant has moved to Texas, I thought I would write just a little about missing our puppy, the Church Dog, and how empty our nest feels. (Click here to read more about how he became known as the Church Dog.)

First of all, I must also tell you that our son has changed his dog's name to Surge. He initially called him Sergeant because he was going to enlist in the Army and wanted his dog to reflect this life change. But, after being in the Army for a year and a half, he realized that he should not take a dog named Sergeant onto an Army base and proceed to shout out his dog's name in front of the actual Army Sergeants. 

The Preacher and I thought at first that we would enjoy the time away from Sergeant.  If you have a dog you know that it's a lot of work. You always have to be aware of the bathroom breaks. Then there are the vet bills. If you take your dog out on an excursion you have to make sure to bring along food, water, toys and poo bags. There's an extra cost if you have to stay in a hotel overnight. All the things that go along with pet ownership.

We had taken Sergeant every where that we went, not only to church, but on shopping trips, camping trips, dog friendly restaurants, every where we went so did he. Now when we go out we immediately remember our Sergeant being with us at certain shops or at certain restaurants. A little bit of sadness washes over us as we remember our Sarg.

On our back patio we have a little garden fountain where the Sergeant boy used to drink from after he played in our back yard. Yesterday we were getting our patio ready for the spring and summer months and when the Preacher plugged the fountain in I immediately remembered that crazy little dog drinking from it.

Little did we know just how much of a hold this little border collie had on our lives.  It's been a year and a half since our son left home and since then he has finished basic training, moved to a new base and was married. It has been only 3 months since our Sergeant has moved away. He is doing well in his new home in TX. I miss both of our boys. 

You think to yourself as your child is growing up that there will be a time when he will be self-sufficient and you think that will be a wonderful thing. More time for yourself. But when that day comes, when he leaves your house, you ache for the days of him needing you. And your nest feels even more empty when the realization hits you that he won't be dependent upon you. I guess the same can be said for a dog.

How can these little creatures get under our skin so much? 

The Preacher and I have considered getting a new puppy. We're going slow with the idea just in case Sergeant comes back. Also, have you seen the prices of a dog lately? That in itself is reason not to get one. I've thought of adopting too but then you are limited with the breeds that are available. This next season of dog ownership I would like a small dog, one that truly can be a lap dog.

For now though, the Preacher and I are truly empty nesters and we'll be okay.

Love from the Preacher and I