Dane with a broken heart

Several people have asked how Della is doing without Serena. Wish I had better news, but the fact of the matter is that she's still missing her friend. 

Della only had one friend. She didn't need any others. Serena completely fulfilled her friend requirements: playmate, crate mate, and snuggle buddy. I don't know if she will ever take on another friend. It may happen sometime unexpectedly, but I know we can't make it happen, only she can decide if, when, and who it might be. 

She goes through the motions around here but you can tell her heart isn't really in it. Serena was the one who initiated the play, and it was Serena who would issue a summoning bark that would bring Della flying across the property to join her. Even when we go out to the pasture, it's like Della is only half there.

The only time I've seen the sparkle in Della's eyes recently was when I took her up to Patch one evening and there were several people there who loved on her and gave her treats. Della loves being the center of attention. 

We'll do some hiking this weekend and I'll take her someplace. We've all been through the grieving process and it takes time.

Puppy therapy does not work on Della.

Here we are at the brewery this week and we got her tail wagging

and a bit of sparkle back in her eyes.

There were people there to love on her and no other dogs to compete for the attention.

That's Della's element.

Della took Maya's spot under my desk this evening.