I re-read an unpublished blog that I wrote entitled: “Last Visit to the Vet’s.” In it I recount my final morning with my buddy, Dusty. He was our Lhasa Apso family pet for 15 years. God knows that was a tough morning.

I really enjoyed having him curl up at my feet while studying. When I arrived at home after a long day, my expectation of a faithful enthusiastic greeting was a favorite moment. I miss him.

Friends have expressed their sympathy. That is very helpful. But, something special happened to soothe the ache. Our grand puppies came to visit! Commotion in the front of the house caught my attention. There was the sound of scampering paws, clawing for traction on our tile entry floor.

I trotted to the familiar noises. Enthusiastic barking greeted my arrival and two puff-balls, referred to by some as Lhasas ran to greet me. Stooping down to their level, I grabbed Nemo and began the back scratching that he loves. Oscar wanted to get in on the action too, so I was scratching two fur-balls at once while talking enthusiastically to them both.

Our daughter and son-in-law are over for the weekend. She grew up with Dusty. You can tell that she connected with him since she and her husband added two Lhasas to their family. Oscar and Nemo are full of personality and liveliness.

Oscar is a cuddly, smallish whiner. He knows how to turn on the pitiful moaning when begging for food. Yet, he cuddles without invitation and melts my heart with his adorable face.

Nemo is as solid as a rock. He is muscular and comical. Full of mischievousness he will sneak up on Oscar and nip as his ear while jumping back to avoid any reprisal. He did that same trick on Dusty in days gone by.

In the mornings I don my layers and snap on their leashes and take Oscar and Nemo out for the morning relief. It is very reminiscent of my daily routine that I have missed. Meals are fun as these little critters eagerly scarf up their food. There is no loss of table manners here.

Now, when I take a moment to watch the news, I am followed by two lovable grand-puppies. Their faces are a dead ringer for the Star Wars’ Ewoks. Comfort for grief finds great relief with a warm cuddle on the sofa.