Many people find that a pet is very helpful in the healing when it comes to sickness and grieving. I’m a firm believer in that especially because of the puppy that my sister got when she was going through a very difficult time in her life.
Just a week before her sixth wedding anniversary her husband was killed in a snowmobile accident. Not long after that she had to give away the Doberman that they had. After much thought, she decided to get another dog.
After much looking and researching she chose to get a smaller dog. It’s amazing how that little dog helped her grieve.
It’s an interesting story on how that dog got his name. When she first brought the puppy home, she had a short list of names, and she asked me, my niece, nephews and some friends for some name ideas. But ultimately it came down to a fun memoriam to my brother-in-law when it came time to deciding the dog’s name.
My sister’s husband was quite the stylish guy. He was always into the latest fashions and loyal to certain brand names. One of the brands he liked the best was Tommy Hilfiger. Most of the clothing he wore had that ‘flag’ emblazoned on it. After my sister and he started dating, her closet started having more and more of the navy, red and white hues of Tommy Hilfiger as well.
From Tommy Hilfiger shirts, jeans, cologne, perfume, bed sheets and bath towels, their home was like a fashion warehouse!
And that’s how my sister’s new puppy got his name ‘Tommy’.
Tommy helped heal my sister’s grief, and became her ‘baby’, having had no children from her first marriage. Tommy endeared everyone who met him. My sister’s boss even let her take Tommy to work with her in a laundry basket when he was a puppy!
Caring for Tommy gave her a purpose and let her remember the good memories of her husband. Through the years Tommy became a big part of our extended family too, we all expected him to be at gatherings and the kids all loved him.
Eventually my sister found love again, re-married and had a couple of children. Tommy was much loved by my nephews. Unfortunately there came a day when Tommy’s purpose in my sister’s life came to an end, but his life and what he did for her will always be remembered.
I am blogging about my canine companion as a part of the “What’s in a Name?” Campaign hosted by DogFenceDiy, the invisible fence alternative. No matter what you choose to name your pooch DogFenceDiy wants to keep them safe and warm.
Such a touching post. Thank you for sharing this.