Nanaimo, our new mini bernedoodle, relaxing in her crate.
It has been a beautiful and difficult time. Miss Nibby's absence has been felt at work, at home and in my community. So many of you have taken the time to connect, share words of support and memories of time with Nibby. It has meant a great deal - thank you.
Grief is a funny thing because though it is with you, life keeps moving forward. Sometimes it does not seem possible that everything continues on while you are experiencing loss. Yet, forward movement is the only way through. Feeling the feels, but not being stuck in them; still allowing for moments of fun, laughter and love, despite the hurt.
Most everyone who has a pet knows that they are signing up for grief and loss. I knew, but honestly I did not consider the extra cost of losing a work colleague and basically a full time companion, or the challenge of my job being to sit with others in the grief that this loss brought up. Still, I wouldn't change it. In fact, I would do it again. Miss Nibby left a big gap, which cannot be filled. But, she also taught so much about the capacity for care and love and I want to carry that forward.
Some of you may know that Christmas day 2025 Nibby was naughty and ate a Nanaimo bar - she'd never done anything like it ever before! Last week, I gave the kids photobooks of Nibby and we ate a Nanaimo bar in her honour. As the kids and I looked at photos of Nibby, we decided Nanaimo was the most perfect name for a new pup! There is no one right timing in this kind of grief, but for my kiddos, and for me, we needed another furry friend and we had a sweet Mini Bernedoodle join our family this week. By next Monday, Nanaimo, or Naimo or Momo for short, will be joining me at the office. This little girl's job will not be to replace Nibby, but rather to build her own connections, which I hope will continue to honour the path Nibby forged.
If you are coming to sessions I will need updated paperwork completed. Please take a moment to fill out a new Animal Assisted Therapy Form and either email it to me, or bring it with you when you are in next. I will also have paper copies in the office if you need.
Thanks in advance for your patience as we navigate this change together,
Deepika