Puppy power 🐶

[E_05]

So today we had a family & friends BBQ to thank everyone for their help when my dad had a heart attack in Crete earlier this year.

It was the first time a lot of family had properly met my 'newest' nephew along with other children running around there. Of course I got all the 'doesn't it make you broody' & 'isn't he just perfect' comments but having these 2 beauties with me definitely helped.

Instead of saying 'of course it does I've been broody for like 5 years', I kind of just smiled and made a comment about needing to occupy the dogs.

I think we're all longing for that need to be 'needed' & it continues to amaze me how dogs can help to fill part of that empty space.

I also got those 'how are you comments' with that sympathetic face but no one actually wants to say how's your ivf going, I guess people will never understand just how hard our journeys are and maybe that's just something in time il accept 💛

[Tugsgirl]

Two little beauties there 😍 xx

[E_05 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thank you, hope your doing okay? Xx

[Tugsgirl in reply to E_05]

I'm ok xx

[E_05 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Hope you are and your pregnancy is going well, have you got your scanned booked? Xx

[Hampshiregal]

Lovely picture. Thank you for sharing. X

[E_05 in reply to Hampshiregal]

Thank you xx

[AllWeNeedIsluv]

Their adorable 💗. I don't know what the ivf journey is like I'll tell you why aswel because I'm a wimp. All I have is pure admiration and respect for you ladies I believe yous have a complete extra strength about yous and your true soldiers I salute you all and your an inspiration to women. The more I learn about ivf (that's through this forum) the more I hold my hat off to you ladies I'd love to have your inner strength it's remarkable. 💗To you all 😘😘😘

[E_05 in reply to AllWeNeedIsluv]

Aw that's so lovely but we are all strong ladies on here, the struggle to have a baby is hard one no matter what journey your taking to get there xx

[_MrsC]

Well done you! Without wanting to sound patronising, I'm proud of you. Your gorgeous dogs have been by your side and given you lots of love. What perfect fur babies. xxx

[E_05 in reply to _MrsC]

Thank you, I felt quite proud of myself that for once I was able to enjoy an afternoon without pure anxiety xx

[_MrsC in reply to E_05]

Good for you! 😘

[Lou9]

Your dogs are absolutely gorgeous! And how fitting that today is National Dog Day too. I take my two with me whenever I can (when they are allowed - I still never understand people who don't like dogs!) and like you say, they are a great distraction and bring a bit of comfort. Sorry to hear you got the 'look' from people, I know it well. And before you know it you are saying you are 'fine' when really you are far from 'fine'. Unless you've experienced it, people just don't understand.

Sorry to hear about your dad's heart attack, I hope he is keeping well now. My dad had a heart attack 6 years ago and I understand the constant worry that remains afterwards.

For what it's worth, I think you are amazingly strong. It's hard having lots of children and babies running around with the inevitable 'your time will come' comments. Take some time for yourself tonight or tomorrow, you've earned it! X

[E_05 in reply to Lou9]

Thank you for your lovely comment, that's so true I always to take my 2 with me wherever I can to. I know, I often say 'I'm okay' when in reality I'm anything but, I guess we all find our own self protection ways xx

[Hidden]

Oh those beauties are making me dog broody. We're desperate for a dog. I hope you're ok. Those types of gatherings are hard but it sounds like you handled it well xx

[E_05 in reply to Hidden]

You should definitely get one 😉 lol I couldn't be without mine xx

[Amanda86]

Gorgeous dogs!! 🐶 sounds like you handled the day well too, so well done for that! It's not easy! Xxx

[E_05 in reply to Amanda86]

Thank you, it was definitely easier having them to keep me occupied rather than looking around thinking 'I wish that was me running around after my child' xx

[Hidden]

What beautiful dogs. I would be lost without our pooch and he gives the best cuddles xxx

[E_05 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, so true can't be without a furry cuddle x

[Macavela]

gorgeous doggies!! your family is looking pretty good to me❤

[E_05 in reply to Macavela]

Thank you. It definitely is, a healthy baby would just top it off now x

[7AVA]

A hard day for you. Well done for going, hope you're relaxing now on the sofa with those gorgeous dogs 🐶 xxx

[E_05 in reply to 7AVA]

Thank you, yeah lots of cuddles with two very tired pups xx

[7AVA in reply to E_05]

Oh, bless them xx

[CountryCat]

Your doggies are perfect!! Just beautiful xx

[Cinderella5]

Ahhh loving the puppy power these two are shining!! My hubby would love a pup, in his words "he needs something to look after"! Bless him....ive always said no to a pooch but I'm starting to soften! You've been brave today...everyone asking those same probing questions is spook difficult!! High fives!xx

[E_05 in reply to Cinderella5]

Thank you, ah I was the same always said il get a dog once I've had a baby had it all planned out, if only I'd know 🙄 I couldn't be without them now though xx

[Ang24816]

Theyre little angels arent they...we have two amazing cats and honestly this journey wouldve been so much harder without them 😻😻 your pups are beautiful and im glad theyre helping ❤❤ xx

[E_05 in reply to Ang24816]

Thank you, ah that's amazing. The power of our fur babies xx

[Hidden]

Such beautiful eyes, both of them. They look rather knowing.

Animals are just wondrous, love them. I am a cat girl, and am currently unable to sleep after a few hours kip, now PING i am awake. My lovely fur ball is purring contentedly next to me right now.

[E_05 in reply to Hidden]

Ah that's so lovely, glad your cats giving you comfort. They definitely are knowing especially Tilly the all black one, I'm sure she knows she was brought home for a much bigger purpose than 'just being a dog'.

[C_L_A_I_R_E]

Love your doggies! I have one special 5 month pup too! He has definitely helped me through this journey! 🐶❤️

[E_05 in reply to C_L_A_I_R_E]

Ah that's amazing, glad he's helping. Marley, the one lying down is 5 months to.

[Dreamingofbaby]

Gorgeous doggies. They are the best a. My dog keeps me going for sure through all this. Take care ☺️

[Sunshine09]

Keep dreaming ,keep believing 🌈🤞💋

[Fredaflintstone]

What cute doggies! Xxx

[Billywhizz10]

We've been on an IVF journey for coming on 4 years now. Multiple rounds all end with Negative result. We're moving on the Egg donor now, but in between we got a puppy and its amazing how this has lifted us both from the dark space we were in.

My wife especially, who was never a 'dog person' has bonded with the puppy in ways that has totally surprised both of us. Our little pup has lifted us, got us out walking and feeling more positive about life, also having a dog to care for really brings you out of self pitying yourself all day.

I have no idea if the egg donor round is going to work, or if we will try and adopt if it doesn't work - but somehow ( its sounds ridiculous, I know) everything doesn't feel as desperate since we got our dog. Our little furry girl has somehow eased our grief that we may never be parents, I really understand how dogs are now being used as comfort dogs for people going through trauma - and multiple rounds of unsuccesful IVF is exactly that.