06/01/2026
The bittersweet experience of adopting a new pet after losing your previous pet can be so layered and complicated. ❤️🩹 Brianna recently shared her experience with us, and we wanted to share here, too. Big hugs to every adopter who opened their home to a new pet after a significant loss.
"After my previous dog Winnie passed, I was absolutely against getting another dog right away. The idea that I could or should somehow just skip over the yucky, sh*tty, bad parts of missing her pi**ed me off. I was actively complaining about it days before I adopted Gertie.
But they say when you know, you know. And when I saw One Tail's post about Gertie, I knew she was meant to be my dog. But that doesn't mean it was easy. I think I cried every day that first week with her. Who was this stranger in my house? Why was I suddenly at a loss when Winnie had felt like an extension of my own thoughts and feelings?
Gertie had none of these qualms. She was understandably overwhelmed by her new living situation and she had a lot of decompressing to do, but from day one, she thought I was the best f*cking thing ever.
That level of enthusiasm is pretty contagious. Over the past six months, Gertie has learned to get on the furniture (seriously, wtf even was that, Gert??), walk and go to the bathroom on a leash, and take her meds in pill pockets. She's weaned off half of her anxiety meds, gone on road trips, made new friends, tried pup cones and pup cups, gained confidence, and brought joy to every person she's met.
Gertie isn't Winnie. She's a little timid. She needs more reassurance. Sometimes we have to stop in the middle of a walk so I can pet her and tell her she's doing a great job. She's silly and goofy and, for some reason, she's constantly upside down. She does the cutest little dance when she gets excited, and if you're not giving her a thorough enough belly rub, she WILL punch you in the face. Gertie is pure sunshine ☀️ She's the best f*cking thing ever."
❤
