A Turmoil of Feelings and a new Greyhound?

Our Luna, such a spoilt boy

Everyone is still so up and down. Such a mix of emotions. Luna is still on our minds every minute of the day, mix this up with the thought of having another dog and whether that dog will be the right one. I'm just not sure, but I'm leaning more towards 'not' due to the breed and energy levels, whether we could take him out, what he would be like with guests/children. I think I need to be sure. I have been in this position before, grieving over a dog that had just died and having another dog pushed onto me, and a german shepherd at that. I don't regret it though, I had 12 wonderful years with him.

Then there's mum. She seems so lost and keeps asking when we are going to get another dog and will the dog be coming today, the house is so empty, she feels so empty. I'm worried that this is too much stress for her and will push her into having another stroke. This is the real deal breaker for me. I don't want her to feel alone, even though she is with us and we are at home most of the time. I guess she feels that I have Lee and she has no-one. It was always me, Lee, mum and Luna. Again, the tears are starting.

I was looking on the internet yesterday and found a greyhound rescue centre, not too far either. I have always said that I would give a greyhound a home one day. I thought they would be high maintenance but they are not. They don't need excessive exercise, just two 20 minute walks a day, somewhere to run and play, lounge about, sleep, cuddle and generally want a quiet life to live out the rest of their days. There are horrendous stories and greyhound racing is such a cruel sport, but that's for another time.

So I found the right dog. I fell in love with his picture and his story and talked about it with Lee and mum. We have all agreed to giving him, or another, a home. So I have registered with them and a lady called me last night to say someone will be in touch for a home visit and to answer any questions we may have. This is all happening so fast and I am not ready yet, but I do want it to happen quickly for my mum. She has started to get confused over things and I'm worried for her.

Today I have said we will go to the pet shop and get some new toys and things for the newbie. She never wants to go out but I think she will enjoy this trip. I need to get her back to normality. For me this is only the 8th day and I am still grieving. I don't want to lose the memory of Luna so soon. I am still so sad.