We had to have our 13 yr old dog put to sleep last Saturday. He had spondolosis and we had tried every medication, and nothing was helping anymore. Our family misses him very much and could never "replace" him. We do want to get 2 puppies, but when to get them is the question. My kids and I really miss having a four-legged family member, and my husband says that he just wants to "go without" for a while, maybe 4-6 months... I just don't know if I can go that long without. Any advice?
Thanks~
2007-02-08 05:46:25 · 12 answers · asked by Shay 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We will adopt from a local shelter... :)
2007-02-08 06:30:21 · update #1
I think it is only right to allow yourself to grieve the loss of your old dog. But to be fair only YOU will know when it's right to get another dog (or two) and 4-6 months is a fair time period. Perhaps you can do some things in that time that you couldn't do when you had a dog (like a long vacation).
Can I make a suggestion that you adopt your new companion from a shelter. Not only will you be saving a life but this will give you the feel good factor losing a dog will have taken away.
Good luck x
2007-02-08 05:52:53 · answer #1 · answered by UKTrailerTrash 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Really sorry to hear about your loss.
You all obviously loved your dog very much - remember you have all lost a member of your family, so you do need time to grieve.
I would let a few months pass before you think about a new addition to your house. No dog is going to fill the gap left by your dog, so don't have any expectations.
In the meantime, maybe you and the kids could do some voluntary work in a shelter so that you're spending time with dogs, and helping a shelter into the bargain! It may also give you an idea of the type/personality of the next dog you want - you might even adopt a grown dog instead of a puppy!
Whilst you are "dogless" appreciate the fact that you have no "ties" - if you want to drop everything and go away for a few days, you can, without worrying about getting someone to look after your pet dog.
After all that............I wish you well xxxx
2007-02-08 14:04:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of correct answers to this question. For instance - do you live in the north or the south? If you live in the north, it's harder to housebreak in the winter because of the sometimes bitter cold. Are you interested in small dogs or large dogs? Are your children school age and therefor home in the summer? Maybe this would be the best time to allow more time spent with the new puppies and better bonding. Two puppies are great because of the social/companion aspect, but also twice the work. I don't think there is a set time frame for getting a new pet. I think what's most important is that you know what you want and find that dog instead of acting on a whim based on the adorable face of a puppy. Please also consider adopting from a rescue group or shelter, they have puppies also.
2007-02-08 14:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by kiah63 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is all up to you and how you feel. I lost my male Rotty at the age of 15, almost 2 years ago and now we are getting ready for a new baby!! I did not want one until now! I am not getting another Rotty because Buster was the best and I would not want to always be comparing the new one to him. We are actually getting an Akita this time but it did take some time for me to be ready for another dog. This might be what your husband is talking about. Take time to morn and wait until summer!!! That really is the best time to bring home a new baby!!
2007-02-08 13:53:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everybody is different. For some right away helps, for others they need a grieving period. That period varies. We find it is usually the guys who want to wait because they get emotionally attached and the passing of the dog hurts them and they don't like to feel at emotional risk again. We find once they have the new dog it takes just a little time and they are emotionally attached again. Took me a year to replace my collie.
2007-02-08 13:55:10 · answer #5 · answered by Jim7368 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no one right time. Some families go without for years before finding a new puppy, some get a new one almost immediately.
2007-02-08 13:56:02 · answer #6 · answered by Peter E 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a matter of when everyone feels comfortable. Talk it over.
Take your time, visit the shelter, some rescue leagues and/or some breeders.
Make this a family event so everyone can agree on the dog and when it feels right - THEN you'll know when the "right time" will be.
My condolences and Good Luck
2007-02-08 13:54:23 · answer #7 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best time is when all in the family can agree yes we are ready for a new one. It is better to have 2 puppies together because they have each other if you are not around.
2007-02-08 14:04:33 · answer #8 · answered by preschoolmama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry for your loss. I had to put my Akita (China was her name) down on January 5, 2007. She was fourteen and had cancer and numerous other medical problems. I miss her sooo much and told my children not to ask for another pet for at least six months. Well, I was on Petfinder.com (please adopt) and spotted a lab/boxer mix that just called out to me. After three weeks of no one adopting her, I went to see her. I just fell in love. Daisy will never take China's place. You will know when you are ready.
2007-02-08 14:01:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
We put our friend, a 7 year old Boxer, down and immediately founf that there was a hole in our life. We waited a month then went out an got our two new boxer friends. I don't do mourning well.
2007-02-08 13:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by Oz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋