Should I get a new dog after loss of pet?

Question

My little dog passed away the morning after Christmas due to kidney failure. Needless to say I am completely heartbroken. While I know that no other dog will ever replace him, I am wondering if getting a new puppy will help with the grieving process. I would love some input from people who have dealt with similar losses. Thanks.

Answer 1

Grieving is different for everyone. Our dog died last month and I thought I wouldn't want another one until Spring. Yesterday I drove 200 miles to get a Border Collie from a shelter. She is between 6 - 12 months, and isn't house trained - and we have about a foot of snow today, and it is still coming down. But she is trying! Just remember that dogs are work, but they bring so much into our lives.

Don't try to "replace," your dog - rather, know that it will be another individual and different from any other dog you have had. That will make you both much happier!

Answer 2

I wouldn't get another dog right now. I would let the grieving process ease before looking for another dog. And I wouldn't go out and get the same kind of dog. You will only expect it to have the same qualities the other dog had.

Give yourself some time and just go looking at the dogs that are available. You don't have to get one just yet but if you find one that you just can't leave behind then You may have found the next love of your life.

Sorry for your lose, loosing a pet is very painful. I have lost quite a few cause I have adopted dogs rather than buy one and they are usually older dogs so I don't have them for long. But the ones that were mine from puppy hood broke my heart.

Blessings

Answer 3

Hi,

I am very, very sorry about your loss...:( I can relate to your situation very well because I have experienced it myself.

As far as getting a new puppy after a recent loss of a canine family member, I personally believe that it is not fair for a new puppy to put so much psychological pressure on him/her.

Even though you realize that a new puppy is not to replace your beloved canine friend you just lost, dogs can sense emotions much better than we humans. Your new puppy would sense the grief and sadness you're going through and it could affect your puppy's whole life, socialization and psychological development.

It is not a good idea to get a new puppy while you're still grieving. It might seem helpful for a human but it is pretty selfish and it is not fair for a new puppy that was just taken from his mother and brothers and sisters.

Here's a wonderful article about it and I hope it will help you to make your decision:

http://blogs5.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blog/dogwhisperer/?p=96

When my dog died I waited for a year to get a new puppy. I am sure the time to grieve is different for everyone, but I can tell it was a good thing to do - especially for my puppy. My puppy could have a positive, balanced start in a new family and environment and she is a wonderful friend and companion now. It is worth to wait a little bit and to welcome your new family member in a positive, happy manner.

Hope it helps,
Alex

Answer 4

That really depends on you. It's natural to take time out to grieve, and it's a very necessary process. But I found, every time I've lost a dog, that I couldn't stand the silent house, and no one to meet me at the door.
So the longest I've been without a dog was 2 weeks, until we got our new pup. There was no question of replacing dear Magnus, there could never be another one like him.
But love doesn't just end, it needs to be passed on, and there is plenty to go around. That's what I've found after raising dogs for 35 years.

Answer 5

I have lost many pets over the span of 35 years of owning animals. I think getting another dog would be a good idea. Some people are not ready for that yet, but since you are asking, I think it would be a really good idea. You will never forget the one you lost and will always love it, but a new pet will help you heal. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. May a new pet bring you much joy and happiness.

Answer 6

i flow by way of this good now. My Sheltie Angel died final Friday. She replaced into sick. this is the little issues that used to annoy me that i'm looking i'm lacking. Her barking on the telephone ringing is the only which sticks out. when you consider that i've got not got infants, my canines and cats are my "infants". i'm now right down to purely one toddler. this is purely her and that i now and my way of coping with loss is to spend as a lot time with Tasha that i'm able to. you spot, Tasha is going by way of a a lot harder grieving. She's in no way been on my own. once I have been given her, I had 3 cats ( Zip, Screech and Tribble) and Angel. this is a daily technique Tasha and that i are working by way of so with any luck jointly we would be ok. so which you carry close in there, daily it will get much less stressful and quickly the thoughts can come without many tears. As some others have stated, loving a clean puppy can help yet supply your self some time.

Answer 7

I feel that yes it would be nice to do that. Its not taking the place of your little dog, however it will comfort you. Remember there are other little dogs out there that would love to have a good home. Please read this poem for me.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Answer 8

I will give my opinion. YES. No one in their right mind will think that you got a new dog to replace the old one. However sitting around grieving and lonely will not help you get over the old dog. Rescuing a dog will make you feel so good about yourself and you can do it in your old dogs honor. I completely urge you to rescue! It will bring new life into your home and you can start doing things again like you did with your other dog.

Answer 9

My best friend chopper just died too. I was pondering the thought of another pet. On one hand I think back and I would of rather had chopper than not had him. Even though my heart is sad now,he brought it alot of joy when he was here. So a new pet would probely be good in the long run,because the overall aspect of having a pet is good. Personally,though I dont know if I can lose somebody else I love. The pain seams to much.

Answer 10

No. It's never a good idea to get a new pet right after loosing one. Give it a couple months, and then when you are ready, go looking for a new dog.