My older dog, died at 14, just 2 weeks ago, and my older son, Mikey, grew up with that dog(Mikey is 15) My daughter, sam, who is 8, wants another dog. My son says that it's okay, he is over our other dog, but he doesn't act like it, I think he is just putting on an act for sam, because she really wants a dog, VERY BADLY. I'm not sure what to do. Is it too soon, I was thinking of getting a little dog(the dog before was a saint bernard) so it wouldn't remind him of his old dog, but i am still not sure.
2006-09-09 18:53:00 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
If your kids want another dog definately get one. But maybe you can sit down as a family and talk about the kind of dog to get. Look at books, read about the breeds from books you get from the library, read stuff on the internet.
Or hey, how about this, go down to your local animal shelter and see what kind of dogs are there. You never know, you might find a dog there that all of you want!
Best of luck to you & your family!
2006-09-09 18:58:23 · answer #1 · answered by ♥Me-Just Me♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're son probably is somewhat putting up an act for his little sister. Maybe he's not ready for it quite yet, since it hasnt even been a month. But maybe if your family waited about 1-2 more months, he would be more prepared to have a new dog in the family. After all, 1-2 months isnt too long when it comes to a big decision/addition like getting a new dog.
As for the breed of dog, I dont think getting a big dog will be too much of an emotional problem; just as long as it's not another Saint Bernard. So maybe your son and daughter could choose the next breed together.
2006-09-10 02:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by PetraBean 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, it depends on the person. I know losing a dog is just like losing a member of a family. Actually I think it can be worse, when my 1st dog died, I cried for several weeks. When my ex- moved out, I never missed a beat.
But I replaced the 1st dog in about a month, and I really wasn't ready. I loved him and all, but I compared him to the other dog. When the 2nd dog died, I hadn't planned on replacing it all. But my son begged and begged.
Then a friend made me an offer I could not refuse, a tax deductible dog. (Yes, they do exist). Free medical, free boarding..what a deal. And about a month later, again I had a dog. And then a few years later I got his son, by then no tax deductions, but they are great.
Go ahead and get a dog, but going from a St Bernard to a small dog might be a problem. How about a lab or something, they are smart, big enough to old their own and lovable as all get out. And different enough to allow your son to mourn one dog, while loving another.
2006-09-10 02:05:49 · answer #3 · answered by starting over 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can understand your worry about your son - my boys were teenagers when the dog they grew up with had to be put to sleep. They were devastated, especially my younger son.
Since your daughter really wants a dog, my inclination would be to start looking for a puppy for her. Invite your son along to look, but respect his decision if he doesn't want to go. I think he needs some time to grieve and will come to love the new puppy when he's ready. In the meantime, you have to consider your daughter's needs, too. Let her choose any dog she likes even if it is a big one (just not a saint), your son would never think of any new dog as a replacement of the special one he lost.
2006-09-10 10:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off, make sure your son knows that you're not doing this to "replace" his old dog. Secondly, ask him if he'd like to help pick the new dog out. If he's interested in doing so, you'll know that he's stepping closer to mending his broken heart. However, if he shows no interest in it, that will give you a clue to his current feelings about getting another dog.
2006-09-10 02:03:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why should you not get a new dog for the 8 yr old. Why would you let the 14 yr. old control when and if you get one. Isn't the feelings of the 8 yr old important to you????
2006-09-10 11:37:36 · answer #6 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, if you plan to get another dog, what is wrong with sooner than later? pets die, thats life. i doubt the dog would feel disrespected. kids love pets, having a dog in the house cant be a bad thing.
2006-09-10 02:00:31 · answer #7 · answered by mypurpleelephant 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, if i were you id let him pick the dog. so maybe hed warm p to it a little better. just help your daughter to understand the phase your son is going through and to let him pick the dog . Good Luck =)
2006-09-10 01:56:17 · answer #8 · answered by Jenny(: 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe it is time for another dog--sometimes it takes a while for kids to get over a pet/friend however, children often have a never ending renewable source of love for animals, ----
2006-09-10 02:02:53 · answer #9 · answered by darkangel1111 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A new pup is a great idea. I have lost dogs that I love so much and it eased the pain.
2006-09-10 01:58:50 · answer #10 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋