One of the best things about being able to work from home for me and my husband was the fact that we could finally be home for our child and pugs. Before we had my daughter and worked full time outside of the home, we’d have to leave my pugs for work every day. It was a very lonely time for them. Pugs, after all, love nothing more than the companionship of their family.

Our house is feeling very empty and sad today…our precious five year old pug Otis was killed when a truck struck and hit him this past weekend. It was a freak accident - we live on a quiet, dead end street and Otis - who never veered out near the road - was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was hit. The rest of the day was a blur…and my husband and I are like zombies as we work through this grief.  Otis was our “first baby.” We got him when he was just a puppy and moved into our first apartment together. We spoiled our “son” with love, trips, toys, and lots of attention. Everybody who met Otis instantly fell in love. We went through our wedding, our first home, and our first baby with Otis. His pug sister joined us two years after we got Otis. They were best friends from the start.

It being Monday we both had jobs to return to today, but found it very challenging to focus on anything but Otis. Memories follow us everywhere - especially being in the house. Working while grieving is quite difficult - although it was a distraction I wholeheartedly welcomed. I found if I didn’t turn my head from the computer, I wouldn’t have to face something in my house that reminded me of Otis - his dishes, his blanket, his photos…

Some people say, “Oh, it was just a dog, get over it and get back to work,” but those who say that have never been blessed with knowing and connecting with an animal with a heart and soul that pours out unconditional love like no other.

And there was nothing like working from home and having your best pal by your side get you through your day. Good day, bad day, our Otis was here for us for everything. Petting him meant stress melting away.

We’re trying so hard to stay positive and remember the good times and realize that we gave our pug the best life he could have ever had. We were blessed to be able to work from home after he turned three, and these past two years are years with our precious pug that no one will ever be able to take away. Just one of the reasons why work from home jobs beat all kinds of jobs - more time with your family. A priceless gift we never have to return.

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Categories: Ramblings
Tags: benefits of working from home, grief, pet loss, telecommute, work from home, working