Well, here she is – Pip – a miniature schnauzer who is just eight weeks old. Once she has had her next vaccinations, I will be able to take her with me to see Anthony and other people.
The story behind her name: years before Anthony and I were married, I lived in a little cottage a few kilometres from his farm. I was undertaking my first year of university studies and feeling, I guess, a bit isolated. I was also suffering a severe case of ongoing unrequited love for this beautiful but idiotic older man who, instead of proposing, bought me a miniature dachshund puppy that we called Pip.
That Pip was the most beautiful gift, and the best friend I had ever had until she died many years later.
I was recently reminded (via a photo) of the special bond I had with that first Pip and how her company helped me through doing all of those assignments in that small cottage all alone. I was only in my 20s then and terribly naïve; I couldn’t understand why Anthony didn’t love me back. It is only in retrospect that I realise how taboo it would have been for him, a middle-aged farmer, to contemplate a romance with me.
So, instead, he gave me Pip.
And now we have a new Pip and I am, once again, not alone.
jmgoyder 
Julie, she really is a pup! Precious! My first dog was a miniature schnauzer and I still remember him with such love. Enjoy!
aww Julie – he is so cute. I hope you have many happy years to come and he keeps you company
What a beautiful little sweetie! Enjoy!
I’m so happy for you!! This sounds like a wonderful step out of loneliness that also honors your marriage. I have a miniature poodle and two schnauzer -mix dogs that do the same thing for me. I no longer have to sleep alone when my husband is on frequent business travel. I have someone to snuggle and confide in. it really helps. I am so pleased for you; I think Pip will really. enrich your life.
We mountain bikers say, “When it comes right down to it, we’re all in this alone.” But I’ve amended to: “…until you have a dog.” The two I adopted last year require so much exercise, that imagine they’re keeping me young(ish). I can’t wait to hear how Anthony responds to the puppy. They also say, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man”, and I think that holds doubly true for dogs.
What a doll, Julie!! There’s nothing more wonderful than a puppy. She’ll be great company. Enjoy!!
❤ ❤ ❤ I want auntie rights on Pip, especially since I was once nicknamed pipsqueak. So sweet and you know I'm smiling, inside and out. ❤
What a beautiful little dog! You’ll be happy to have it to cuddle.
I can’t wait for Anthony to see Pip!!!
What a cute little fellow, I am sure he will bring you much joy in your complicated life.
What a sweetie! And what a lovely story.
A lovely friend to have to go with a bitter sweet memory and a bitter sweet present.
Pip looks adorable. So good to hear you have a new doggy companion. I’m sure she will be a big hit with Anthony and the other residents (as well as keep you company).
oh, and what a lovey full circle, pip is a doll.
She’s adorable! Lover each other well.
She will be amazing company and comfort… Diane
Pip is so adorable, and it must have been difficult for Anthony way back then, the age difference would have seemed so great and your love for him so wrong
So happy for you, Julie! It sounds like the perfect antidote for loneliness – unconditional love and licks. 🙂
And as you explained, Pip is a connection to Anthony. The love of your life lives on in so many ways.
I really love this Julie 💛🐥 Puppies are full of love and life!
SOOO Cute! Wishing you both many years of joyful companionship!!!
Aaaahhhh, how adorable! We had a “Pip” once, a Chihuahua. She died tragically and we were immediately consoled by her sister who was a gift to us from our daughter. We named her Dancer. She was our sweetheart for 12 years. She died this past Oct. 16th. Pets keep us company and love us unconditionally and we miss them terribly when they are gone. I know that Pip II will be a comfort to you and Anthony and a welcomed therapy for the residents.
Happy for you-I am dog -sitting right now and enjoy the company.
He is adorable Julie. I am sure he will bring much pleasure in your life.
I love schnauzers! My very own Mitzy brings so much happiness to us. I’m sure Pil will too. Enjoy!
She’s sooooooooooooooooooo cute!