My dog has passed away. Should I get another dog?

Question

My pomeranian of 7 years recently passed away at night. In the past year, she has been suffering from seizures and liver infection. After her passing, I feel an extreme hollowness inside. I thought about getting another dog to replace her. Should I wait until the grief is gone before I get another dog?

Answer 1

It really depends on how you feel of it. If you think that the new dog would make you feel sadder because it would make you think of your old dog more then I saw wait a while until you are ready.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry to hear about your dog....My dog was sent to dogie heaven on the 3. You will NEVER be able to replace the pet you lost. I did get another dog I have had her a week now I adopted her from the animal shelter, this is a very personally decision to make, when I first found out there was nothing else that could be done for Justice I didn't want another dog ( we stilled had 2) but as time came for him to leave me I knew I needed something to keep my mind off of him all the time. So I adopted Ruthie.

Your feelings of hollowness will pass, and it will get better. But she is not suffering any more and in a better place.

Answer 3

Get a dog when you are ready or sometimes they just come to you. After our dog of 14 years passed away, we thought no more dogs, 2 months later while Christmas shopping I stopped in the pet store as usual to look at the puppies. There was this little shiz tsu looking straight at me. I asked if I could hold her which is something I had never done before. She bought me and I took her home that night. We had 12 fun years with her. It was about 2 months after that I noticed a mom cat and some kittens playing around my garage. We watched for a couple of weeks and thought if we could catch the little one, he would have a home. Guess what, we did. He is the most affectionate and sweet cat I know. When I took him to the vet, he said he was probably born in March which was the same month Jenny the shiz tsu passed. Sometimes things just happen to heal your grief. You will always have special memories.

Answer 4

First, I'm so sorry for your loss, I just lost a pet this week as well. They are our family,and you need to go through the process of loss and the mourning just as you would any other death. Let yourself naturally go through these stages. When your heart is ready to open up again completely after the grief, your mind will be then clear to make the chioice for a new home for a new friend. Please give yourself that time. In the meantime, hang pictures of your dog, put away his/ her things if they are too painful to look at right now and cry when you have to, It's all part of the grieving process. I wish you the best.

Answer 5

Only get a dog when you are ready.

Try a different breed, otherwise you will always make comparisons and neither dog is better or worse than the other.

Also choose a name that sounds different than your first dog's name otherwise you will calll the new dog by the old dog's name.

Remember that this is a true loss. Do not allow others to trivialize it. Deal with your grief as best as you can and when you feel emotionally ready get a new dog. Remember it's new dog...not a replacement dog.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

If you loved your dog, then the grief will never be gone. Get a dog when you are ready. Don't rush into it as 'replacement' dogs just aren't a good idea nor are they the answer. Give yourself time to grieve and then consider starting a search. Perhaps giving a rescue dog, either from a no-kill shelter or from a purebred rescue will eventually be the answer. Good luck to you through this difficult time.

Answer 7

I'm sorry for your loss. Don't listen to those people who said to wait and grieve. Why put yourself thru turmoil when it's not even necessary. Our dogs are like our babies. You know, I suggest you get a puppy! It'll be a whole new experience. Seems as if you have had to suffer right along with your dog, and you know a puppy brings so much joy. Yes, there is a little work involved, but it's like they know, ya know? John Edward says there are no accidents that dog is God backwards. Your dog is waiting for you in heaven. But for now, get as cute a puppy as possible, and I'm sure the burden of your loss will lessen. Also, just remembered... dogs really need a friend when you are not around... Get two puppies! That way they will always have company. My cocker spaniel, Lucky is much happier now that he has a companion, a spitz and sheltie mix, Rusty! They are the best! Really sweet and loving, they are.

Answer 8

Only you can answer this question ! You are the one who knows how you feel about getting another dog. But I do say that you may want to Wait a little while to get another dog if you are still grieving . Because the new dog will sense what you are feeling and may not feel like you really want it or feel welcome to your home. If you want something to cuddle when you feel sad get a stuffed dog it will help some. Then when YOU feel better then that would be a good time to decide to get another dog, cause then (it) will feel wanted and welcomed to your home.

Answer 9

Sorry for your loss. I don't think it's a matter of replacing your little friend. I've found that most people who love animals, are very kind hearted. They have a need to give their love to others and in turn receive that same love. You could never replace the love you had for one animal to another. Just as we lose human friends, that doesn't mean we shouldn't make new friends. Follow your heart. Thats the only thing that can guide you at this time. God bless you, and good luck with your decision.

Answer 10

If I were you I would wait a bit. You talk about "replacing her". You can't replace her. You can get another dog and form a relationship with another dog perhaps one as good as you had with your first dog but your first dog is irreplaceable. First thing however is work through your grief over losing your dog and then examine your reasons for wanting to get another dog.

Answer 11

First, let me say that I am sorry to hear about your loss.

What concerns me is that you are looking to "REPLACE" your other dog. Dogs are NOT commodities. Yes, wait until the grief is gone. before getting another dog. Also, search your soul. If you think that one dog can be interchanged for another, perhaps you need a professional.