Hello Weitzel,
I just wanted to say that before we lost Hafta recently, we also lost my Lu. My Lu was a return dog from someone whom decided after ownership of a year, they no longer wanted her. She was paired with a crappy little Chiuaua. We were told Lu was mean as hell and when we went to retrieve her, we were handed welder's gloves to handle her with. With that approach, I was not too nice in my response and I will let you use your on imagination of my response. Anyway, we took her home with us. She not only turned out to be the nicest, most loving dog I have ever seen, if my Susan was not around, my Lu was my go to "person". She was my "person". Lu later became a victim of Fanconi. That lasted for about six more years, giving her a life of about nine years with us. If my Lu were an actual human being, whatever sentences I would make, if she could speak, she would complete my sentences. If I did not speak to Lu, she would look at me and immediately know what I wanted and do it. My Lu and I were always buds. When she passed, I just couldn't bring myself to announce it. She has been gone approximately three years now and I still find myself looking around the house for her.
Susan asks me which of the four dogs do I like the best. I keep telling her each is my favorite. Each have their own personality. My Hafta almost filled the space of Lu not being around. Now we have RediTugo and Yuwillavance left. Each have their own personality. Now, I find myself looking for Hafta to greet me when I come in from work. Some people say all this will pass. Does it really? I still "see" Lu. A week after Hafta's passing, 'Willa is still looking for her mother, Hafta. It may not pass, but it gets easier.
Lamar