I had to say goodbye to my sweet, sweet dog on Saturday. She came into my life during a difficult time. We weren’t looking for a dog but a friend had posted her picture on Facebook. I was instantly captivated. She was truly a gift from beyond.
Now the house is quiet and feels empty, even though we still have a dog and a cat.
Dh is encouraging me to get another dog soon. I filled out an application to adopt from the local shelter. He says there is no reason to wait.
I had two cats and had to put one to sleep. I waited a few months to go get another cat. In retrospect, I wish I had gotten another cat sooner. My cat was sad and lonely while I was gone all day. He needed a friend. When the second cat passed away I went out and got another cat the following week. It made a big difference with my first cat. I believe that you should have two cats at a time.
I've waited a few years, but to be honest, each time I've gotten another dog, I wish I'd done it sooner.
The reason? There are so many other sweet dogs needing forever homes. Each one just waiting for someone to take them home and give them a chance at happiness.
You love each one for their own special, individual reasons.
I am so sorry...that is a heart hole that takes a long time to heal. I have no answer. We were a no dog family for a very long time until we finally adopted one. 16 years later we put her down. I do not want another dog...that heartbreak is more than I can handle.
When I knew my dog was in her last few months, I adopted a rescue dog and the two were buddies for awhile. I don't know if there's a right or wrong way to do it....but I think you'll be happier with a new dog sooner rather than waiting. And what a lucky dog that will be! I hope you get another real sweetie to ease the sadness of your loss.
I'm sorry for your loss. I would probably wait at least a few weeks, but if you want to get another dog sooner that's fine too.
My beloved springer spaniel passed away two years ago. I was ready to get a dog six months later, but DH was not. We finally got a basset hound puppy two months ago. I would have preferred not to wait so long, but we are delighted to have her in our lives.
Last edited by travelingfar; 09-05-2019 at 04:25 PM..
I would go as soon as possible. I say why wait? I feel heartbroken when I lose a pet. I think getting another one helps fill the void while time heals you.
I got my successor dogs within a month or so of my loss. I always felt for me that the legacy of the dog I lost was to rescue another one in need. I found my last two on the internet. Before I found my present dog, I did go to a shelter to explore a dog there, but it was not a good match, so I waited and looked a bit longer online and found a lab mix who had a sad backstory and I got in touch with the rescue. It took a few weeks for the home visit, reference check and her transport from the south, but she became mine. I also live alone so my dog is a great companion. I understand the void the loss of a dog creates. So sorry for the loss of your beloved pet.
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think there is a right amount of time to wait. Whatever feels right is what you should do. I lost my cat last fall whom I 'd had for 14 years. I adopted a cat about two months later. I hadn't really planned on it. Unfortunately it didn't work out because my other cat was terrified of it. We had to return him. Then this past May I found another little love and it has worked out just fine :-)
So far, I have not added a new pet at all after losing one, but that's more about circumstances than desire. I've lost a dog and a horse. I don't have time to give to another horse and my remaining dog seems to prefer being an only dog.
I say do whatever feels right to you. I belong to a dog training board, and some people have waited a year before getting a new dog and others surprised themselves by adopting a new puppy the next weekend.
I think it’s a personal thing. For myself, I like the companionship so much that I enjoy getting another pet after the loss of one. I found that I still grieve and miss the one that passed because they all have their own personality.
I agree that it is personal. We lost our dog in a tragic, unexpected way on August 7. Ten days later we adopted our new furry family member. She is a joy and has helped us heal. I am sorry for your loss.
I have never been without a cat ( well for the last 35 years or so) . If I were in your situation I believe the right one will come your way when the time is right.
I am so sorry you lost your beloved dog. To put it simply ,I don't think there are "rules." You feel led to adopt the dog needing a new home. There's always a reason for our gut feelings. Go with your gut.
Yep. If you want one, then do it. For me, pets aren't people... I don't feel any guilt about getting a new pet after losing one. I don't want to be sad, and I love how animals fill our lives with joy.
A couple months once, the last time a week. Our other dog was heartbroken and needed a friend.
You"ll know when it's time and you will still remember the dog you lost.
I only waited a week. I would have waited longer, but my remaining dog had never been alone and was having a very difficult time while I was away at work.
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09-05-2019, 12:48 PM
