~ but now I will ~

I lost my good friend Buddy last month. He was thirteen almost to the day.
We hiked together, when we were younger, took walks together when we got older, and for the past year he was always at my side; followed me everywhere. He wouldn’t be separated from me no matter how many times I changed rooms, but with a difference lately. He didn’t follow me outside, because he didn’t want to go up and down the steps unless absolutely necessary.
Pain meds helped for a while, but then he stopped following me inside and had begun to not even greet Bob at the door when he got home. Then he couldn’t keep his food down.
It was time.
Writing this brings tears to my eyes. The house has been too quiet without him padding by my side each and every day. So while some would be amazed at what I did yesterday, maybe even shocked, I went out and found a new friend to keep me company. He walks by my side from room to room, follows me out on my chores, though I will not let him in with the chickens or the geese. Not safe. Without further explanation:
Meet Walker!
Look at those speckled feet!
He is a rescue pup I found through A New Leash On Life. I tried to pick a totally different kind of dog. I really did! Yet, I ended up with one that, at least as a two month pup, looks very like Buddy. The big difference will be when he grows up. Buddy was Lab and Border Collie (very fluffy), and Walker is Hound and possibly Lab, so short hair.
The exciting bits of new puppy ownership are: Puppy breath (apparently I’m not the only one who thinks it’s grand); Wiggles and puppy licks; and, The need for constant motion until you just drop (as above).
The not so exciting bits of new puppies? Chewing, house training, chewing, and did I mention House training!? I think we are making something in the way of progress, because this morning after telling him very loudly and for the third time,
NOooo!🥴
He actually stopped and ran for the back door where he sat and waited for me to take him out to finish the deed.
This too shall pass ❤

It wasn’t me!
More to come!