Rumpy the Consoler

I have been greatly surprised by many things in the past couple of days.

I have been especially surprised with Rumpy.

 

 

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Rumpy is not an especially affectionate dog. He lets me rub his head and he likes being brushed, but no hugs please, and don’t touch his feet.

He is, however, an emotional dog. DeDe’s cancer upset him greatly. He would sniff at the tumors and get the saddest look on his face. Yet when I came home from the vet, he sniffed my pants, indicated he knew what had happened, and moved on.

Rumpy knows I’m not doing well, and has stuck by my side. He’s been a great comfort to me.

We stomp around the yard together and he shows me things.

He’s always close by. He lies at my feet when I’m sitting at the table. He watches me when I’m moving around. He lies on the bed when I turn in, and stays there.

Of course, Rumpy is also an opportunist. He has made himself available whenever I’m eating, and has helped me finish each meal.

That may not mean much to some, but it’s a great gift he’s giving me.

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He’s doing it because he loves me.

71 thoughts on “Rumpy the Consoler

  1. He certainly is ..Forrest is the same..no feet please..hug on his terms but when I was a complete mess after dogs killed our sheep he licked my tears and followed me like a shadow…further proof of the sentient beings they are and their ability to provide comfort and sense our pain..no greater gift and the very reason we hurt so badly when they need to leave us..we send our love and hugs Bev xxxx

    1. He has rescued you, like you rescued him from the streets because he loves you so much he is tuned into your every emotion and pain..The whole that has been left in all of your hearts will heal over but will never quite go away..We know that pain and are hurting for you and the fur babies. We love you and are thinking of you . Louie Hannah ,Charlie and Pat

  2. oh dear Jen, he is exactly understanding and feeling your heart… He is so adorable, and also he should be so sad too, and sharing with you…. a big hugs for you both and love, nia

  3. let me add this too, sometimes when I cry silently in the room, my Princess, she is in another room, doesn’t see me and doesn’t hear me but she should feel me, and comes close to me, and she touches to my face and my tears, as giving a kiss…

  4. I’m glad rumpy is providing comfort. Animals know when something is wrong. My cats knew something was wrong with missy bitty and left her alone. They knew we were sad too. Please brush rumpy for me. 🙂

  5. Rumpy knows you need him more now and he’s taking care of you with companionship…..bless his heart – he needs you as much as you need him and sharing this tough time is something you both need. He’s a sweetie and he’s “being there” for you which is truly unconditional love. Sammy and I hope you all will find your way together through this period of loss…….

    Hugs, Pam

  6. What a beautiful, thoughtful boy! Hope you’re doing ok and that things start getting easier soon. Big hugs to you and Rumpy! 🙂

  7. Good work, R. You and Jen need each other, now more than ever. When you love someone, you stick together. And if there are some half-finished meals that you need to help her finish, oh well – it’s all in a days work.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  8. I have always loved Rumpy – and this has made me love him even more! What a beautiful boy! I’m so glad he is there for you at such an emotional and difficult time. Thinking of you all every day … and weeping again … xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

  9. Indeed Rumpy loves you greatly. Our Luke grieved when Beau died. As time went on he has become a better dog. He is less needt than before and has allowed 2 ,new fur siblings into his paw share. We are looking forwerd to learning what other changes will develop in the the dynamic world of Rumpy.
    Peace be with you as you mourn DeDe.

  10. Rumpy is smart he now has you all to himself. He needs you now as much as you need him. I love hugs and usually demand them by laying my entire body against you till you give me a hug. Greyhounds tend to do that. Mom says I am going to attach myself to her when it is time for Ol Cissy to leave. She is probably right

  11. Jen – animals have a way of sensing when things are not good. I’m so happy Rumpy is stepping up to hte plate with taking care of his human when she is hurting. That is so sweet!

  12. You will see each other through this difficult time. He is there for you as you are for him. I know from experience that they sense our sadness. Sending love from across the pond both from myself and my fur friend @FredaANDpals

  13. I’m sure that he’d known what’d been happning to DeDe…dogs are very sensitive…he must have known that you felt so sad….so he wanted to help you in his ways….he needs you and loves you, Jen.

  14. And the majority of people in the world don’t think dogs are smart or understand whats going on in life. Yes we do and Rumpy proves it!

    The Mad Scots

  15. Wonderful dog! It’s amazing how tuned in they are to our feelings. I get migraines sometimes that last for 3 days. My dogs will lay ON me and at my feet the entire time, taking turns to go outside to pee. They also snuggle up to people when they are sad and rest their heads on their laps.

  16. Rumpy sounds a lot like my dog, a miniature schnauzer, who likes to have his head scratched, but don’t touch his paws! He’s been banned from 2 groomers. He doesn’t like to be brushed either. Regardless, he’s very sensitive to my emotions and the emotions of my parents to whom he’s grown very close. Dogs have a tendency to do that. They just seem to know things. That’s why I love dogs! I know this a tough for you and the family, Jen, but please stay strong.

  17. Animals never cease to amaze me. He knows you need comfort and he needs comfort as well. My heart goes out to you all. I am so very sorry and those of us who loved DeDe and her sweet soul shed tears for you.

  18. No doubt that Rumpy is very intuitive, but maybe he needs you to console him as much as you need him to console you. I think you guys are mourning Dede buying her rainbow together.

  19. Some dogs just KNOW. They know when you are hurting, physically and emotionally. Natural therapy dogs, I think. We have one such now and she is my consolation. Good for Rumpy. Feel better soon.

  20. Our animals do so often surprise us. I have not been doing too much blog visiting the last couple of weeks, so I have missed the goodbyes to DeDe! I know how your heart is breaking, Jen. You have my sincere and heartfelt condolences. xx

  21. That is so wonderful and heartwarming. Sometimes our animals really know exactly what we need. I am so sorry for your loss, and hope you are coping as well as can be expected.

  22. Oh good on Rumpy for being there for you. HufflePup isn’t the kind of pup to hang close by me if he can follow his dad but when I was seriously ill last month, he refused to leave my side, even for food and water! And losing a family pet-member is, by far, worse than just being sick. We have good dog friends. ❤

  23. Well he deserves a little treat! That’s huge what he’s doing for you. We humans always feel like we have to say something but animals know the most important part is just showing up.

  24. I am so very glad he is sticking by you. I suspect that he senses your pain and is hurting as well. May you each find comfort in each other. I have thought about you every day Jen. I know many times we go throug pain like this alone, but so many of us are there with you. Dede felt like family. You do too.

  25. Oh, what a sweetie, he is comforting and loving you in his own way. Dogs are always there for us when we need them. I am so glad you have Rumpy. Hugs and nose kisses

  26. Hi Rumpy. I cried when I read this today because it made me think of all the dogs that have moved on. But it also makes me happy to know that you are there to help your friend grieve. When I lost my favorite pal, I found comfort in other dogs who I believe knew I needed the extra love. I’m going t get a tissue and I hope you can give your human an extra snuggle and maybe sneak in a kiss.

  27. That’s so heartwarming, and it does indeed show that Rumpy loves you and wants to comfort you. As for him being an opportunist … “be true to thyself.” Right, Rumpy? 🙂

  28. Rumpy senses that you are sad and need comforting. He loves you and wants you to know he is there for you. Let’s remember that he lost a friend and is grieving in his own way and needs you.

  29. It’s wonderful that our pets comfort us during our time of sadness. Love, Cali, Andy, Tater and Shelly (C.A.T.S) and Mom Judy

  30. He certainly does love you, I can see it in his eyes. Petal has been doing the same for me since Lassie’s passing. Dogs are so wonderful at comforting us. They always know exactly what is needed. ❤

  31. Soft paw pats sent from RC Cat. (She has seen companions go ahead)
    Rumpy: high paws for stepping up.
    Somehow they know what is needed. Our young rescue Bouvier did the same once our guardian Bouvier died of cancer. It was like he appraised the situation and put on the necessary superhero suit.
    Molly, who can’t get enough hugs and would be a lap dog if allowed, shyly sends a shoulder bump in friendship to good dog Rumpy

  32. Animals are so intuitive. Chevvy knows when I am in pain [from my back], or sad and is always just there for me. Quietly, a warm body pressed against me in support. I remember when my Sep was taken by a road accident. Tia mourned with me. Although she never saw me bury him, I later found her often laying on his grave. But it was her constant support to me and my children that was amazing. Her tender heart helped to soothe ours.

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