Valentine's Day was one of the hardest days of our lives! Our dear,devoted English Springer Spaniel, Abby, had to be put down. She gave us 15 loving, happy years and her loss has been more than we can bear!
While at the veterinary hospital, our vet told us that he had just taken care of a litter of Springer Spaniels and said that the family had one puppy left. The puppy is a tri-color just like our Abby. If you know anything about English Springer Spaniels, you know that tri-colors are very rare. Is this fate or just a coincidence?
Being in so much pain from our loss, it is very difficult to make a sound decision. NO other dog will ever replace our precious Abby. But we don't know what to do about the puppy. At times we think we should call and go have a look at it. Other times, we can't bear the thought of another dog in our house. We are so torn and confused right now. We know it isn't the best time to make such a big decision.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
2007-02-16 01:22:18 · 35 answers · asked by bigsis 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
How do we thank you all for your heartfelt responses? It truly helped reading each and every one of your answers, they were all so compassionate and understanding.
Our pain is still huge, but how good it feels to know that there are so many kind and empathetic people who took the time to help us in our time of need.
All your answers were so good that it is difficult to choose the best one. We decided to put your answers to the voters and let them decide.
Good luck, thank you again and God Bless All of YOU!!!!
2007-02-22 02:07:32 · update #1
Get a new puppy to build new memories with, a new dog will not replace the old one however it will allow you to continue to love and give to a pet. good luck
2007-02-16 01:31:45 · answer #1 · answered by SimplyHappy 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I also went through this stage when I lost my male pitt, but I think it was best that i waited and didn't make a decision in that state of mind. I think you do need time to heal before you bring another dog in. Because if you do not you could resent the new dog for not being the old dog. It is just what ever you feel would be a good decision.
You could also look into joining a dog loss support group. You can find these by searching on the Internet for your state.
Good luck!
2007-02-20 03:12:13 · answer #2 · answered by Indiana Girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm so sorry that you lost your sweet girl.
Grief is a very individual thing. Some people have to take time to adjust, others find a new dog helps them through the process. It's a very hard decision to make for you right now.
Keep one thought in mind - love is eternal. You are not taking love away from Abby, if you adopt a puppy. You are sharing the love that you have to give, and there are no limits on it. It all depends on when you are able to do that.
2007-02-16 03:21:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I can only imagine your pain - before I got my baby (Yorkie-Shi Tzu Mix) I was NOT a dog person. Now, I don't know what I would do without him. Allow yourself to grieve but keep in mind that there is a little puppy out there who needs the kind of love your family can give. If you aren't 100% committed to starting over don't . . . having the new dog won't benefit him or you.
I would suggest you at least go meet the puppy and see if you can find therapy in cuddling. If the loss is just too profound and the sight only brings you more pain - then don't adopt. Take your time, decide if that is the route you want to take. Your not a bad person if you choose not to.
I am truly sorry for your loss :(
2007-02-16 02:39:00 · answer #4 · answered by writerchic06 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have been where you are and am sending a cyber hug your way.
When a pet that has been with you for a long time passes away there is a huge empty place in your house. When I lost my dog I was devastated. A friend gave me this advice: You will never replace that dog, but you can honor her memory by loving another. You will be amazed at how much joy & laughter a puppy brings into your life. Your dog lived well and then her time came.
My friend was right. I went to the shelter that afternoon & got a puppy. I still grieve for the dog that I lost almost 4 years ago, but the puppy helped to fill the void.
I lost a cat at Christmas. He was 19. The day we said goodbye a stray showed up at our back door. That stray is now sitting on my lap.
If it were me I would go look at the puppy. Looking does not obligate you to bring it home.
Good luck and may your heart find peace.
2007-02-16 01:35:18 · answer #5 · answered by Sharingan 6 · 3⤊ 2⤋
very sorry to hear of your loos, i know how difficult it can be. personally, i think that giving that little puppy a good home would be a tribute to Abby. i'm sure she would'nt have a problem with it and being that the puppy is the same color as Abby is a sign. take a chance with the puppy, you can still grieve but maybe the new puppy would make things just a little more bareable. good luck in your decision.
2007-02-20 16:32:20 · answer #6 · answered by portarico2007 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry that you lost your beloved Abby, but I'm sure you have tons of wonderful memories after having her for 15 years. My opinion is that you should go out and get a new puppy. Nothing makes me happier than having the unconditional love that only a dog can give. A new puppy will help you with your grief and like the pp's said, will help you make new happy memories rather than just thinking of how much you miss Abby. But of course, you need to be ready financially and feel ready emotionally to take on a new puppy because the new puppy would deserve all your love and attention too. Good luck with your hard decision.
2007-02-16 02:10:43 · answer #7 · answered by wildlifegirl 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think you should go and see the puppy and judge your reaction to it. Just remember that the new dog will be completely different from Abby. It may take a bit longer to bond with the new dog because you will always be comparing her to Abby even though you don't mean to. I've found life can be "easier" without a dog but it is definitely not better. I think you've been given an opportunity with this new litter. Go check the puppy out.
2007-02-16 01:50:01 · answer #8 · answered by eileen s 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
From your dogs point of view.
"May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain-filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day .
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and are afraid
because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me.
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time,
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today."
Copyright Susan A. Jackson
Written for a beloved pet and friend
I have always been a advocate of getting the new dog BEFORE losing the loved pet.
As soon as possible works far better than waiting for most people. Just remember that the new dog is it's own entity, and will never "replace" the lost one.
2007-02-16 01:36:34 · answer #9 · answered by tom l 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I'm sooo sorry. I know how you feel; I've had to put down animals before and it's never easy.
I do recommend that you get another animal fairly soon though. Don't think of it as Abby's replacement; this will be a new pet who'll deserve to be treated as lovingly as you did Abby. In return, the new pet will give back to you all the love in the world. It will give you much pleasure and much laughter. I can't think of anything more beneficial to the healing process.
Open your hearts again and let another love come in.
2007-02-20 13:21:25 · answer #10 · answered by Marilyn D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would really depend on you guys. It would be a bad idea to get a puppy solely to help with the pain.
But if you are wanting to move forward with fond memories, and are wanting to get a new puppy to enjoy the new memories as well, then that would be a good idea.
The new puppy is a lot of work, and it really depends on how you are feeling, if you are up for that or not. As much as I would like to give you advice as to whether or not you should get a job, it's really a personal decision that must be made.
By getting a new puppy you will not be replacing Abby, by not getting a new puppy you aren't hindering yourself from moving on, but you are admitting it might not be the best time for you.
Again, big personal choice.
I'm sorry for your loss, and I hope that you can make the right decision for you.
2007-02-16 01:44:42 · answer #11 · answered by Erin R 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋