How long should one wait to get another dog after losing one???

Question

I just lost my dog of over thirteen years last Tuesday. I have had her since I was 21. She was a huge part of my adult life and a very loyal companion. I had to put her to sleep and the guilt is overwhelming. I have two children who have been use to her always being around and I miss the company already as I am a single mom who doesn't date. She was a mix goldenretriever/malamute and I know I will never find another dog like her. I don't know where to go from here. How long should I wait to get another??? My concern is that no other dog will be good enough which wouldn't be fair to the animal.

Answer 1

I am SO sorry!!! Losing a dog that has been part of your family is really hard, (and I speak from experience). It really just depends on you. No dog will ever replace a former dog, and if you feel that you would have that concern, you should wait until you have had a chance to grieve for your much loved dog. On the other hand, some people do much better getting another dog right away, because there is nothing like another sweet loving dog, to give back the love you will give it. You will be busy training and giving it the proper amount of care and love, and it might help keep your mind off your loss. Just reach into your heart, go with your feelings, and all will work out. Good luck, and take care of yourself.

Answer 2

That's a tough question, and it really depends on the person.

Like you said yourself, no other dog will be good enough, and that's not fair to the dog. This is very true.

Sometimes when a person loses a loved pet they will rush out and get another one. Maybe even one that looks like the pet they lost. When the new pet comes home, the person will expect it to be just like the pet the lost.

This cause frustration between both pet and owner. The owner because the new pet isn't what they want, and the new pet because it doesn't know what the owner the wants.

No dog will ever replace your very loved dog. While having the void may be hard, I'd wait awhile. Someday you will be able to welcome a new dog into your life. The new dog won't be your old one, but if you wait until you're ready, your new dog will be just as great of a friend.

You'll know when you are ready.

Sorry for the loss of your dog.

*hugs*

Answer 3

I am sorry to hear about your loss. The decision to let a long-time and treasured companion go is never an easy one and it is normal to feel guilty. But I am sure you made the best decision with her best interests in mind. The answer to this question is different for everyone. Some people are ready for a new companion right away and others grieve for years before they feel ready to bring a new dog into their life. If you are still swimming in guilt over the decision to euthanize your dog, then it may be a bit early yet.

One option for you may be to work with a rescue organization and foster a dog. If you feel that you would really like the company of another dog already but are concerned that you will subconciously hold a new dog to the standards of your long-time friend, then this may be an ideal arrangement. If the foster dog happens to fit into your family like it was always there and helps to fill that empty space in your heart, then most organizations will be happy to adopt the foster dog to the foster family. If you find that you aren't ready for a new dog yet and you're holding the dog to unfair standards then eventually the dog will be adopted by a forever home.

Answer 4

First, I am so sorry about the loss of your dog.

Your question I think really depends on you as an individual, and on your family's feelings about getting another dog. When I lost my dog, it was four years before I got another. I'm not, however, suggesting you wait that long, just saying how long it was for me.

It's sad to lose any type of pet, but it is also important to remember that death is a part of life, and grieving is normal. It is plenty okay to feel bad now for the loss of your dog, but time will heal the pain. You won't forget your dog and you won't miss her any less, but the intense pain and feelings of guilt (which she had 13 good years with you, she had a long, full life, so please don't feel guilty, it is not your fault, the situation is just something that happened) will lessen. If you love animals, I highly doubt you would treat a new dog badly because of the loss of your other.

My suggestion is, if you are lonely for the companionship of a dog and have kids that miss her, perhaps look for another dog immediately instead of later. No dog will ever replace the dog you lost, but another dog will help you heal from the loss. I would suggest going to your local pound to find a dog and saving a life; the feeling of doing good from saving a life is unreal, and it would be a great way to honor the memory of the dog you lost.

Take care, and again I'm sorry about the loss of your dog. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

It's never really been an issue for me to be without a dog, since I have always had multiple dogs. It really DOES help to have other dogs who depend on you to get you through those rough patches after losing one. I think it makes it easier to have other pets around. After losing my Pekingese, I swore that I would not get another dog, two was enough, and I would stop there. One year later, a friend of the family had rescued a 7 month old Toy Poodle, and begged me to give her a home. I brought her home (without telling my husband, because he had wanted a German Wirehaired Pointer for so long, and I put my foot down at 2 dogs!). About a year ago, I had to travel to my parents' home to take my 15+ year old family pet (who lived with Mom & Dad) for his final trip to the vet, and the loss was just so great for all of us. Mom and Dad had a new dog within a month, and I brought another one home, as well. It's a matter of what YOU want, and you definitely need to consider the kids...it may help them to have another dog in the house right away...they often won't miss the old dog quite as much, and it could help them through the pain. I really feel that when a pet passes, it's my duty to "replace" my special dog with another rescued dog...it makes me feel good to make room in my home for a dog that may not otherwise have a chance, and I consider that to be a great tribute to the one that has passed on.

Answer 6

I lost 2 dogs in 4 years, I never thought I would get over losing them and that no other dog could replace them. It's important to mourn your loss and give it some time. If you get another dog too soon you'll always be comparing them to the last dog and that's not fair to them or you. When I did get another dog I felt disloyal to the last one. That goes away in time. Since I adopt all my dogs I like to think that the one that died would want me to give a home and love to another dog the same way I loved them.

Answer 7

my friend ,pet,companion (piggymutz) was 12 yrs old passed away with a heart attack last month 2 weeks after my husband cam e home from the hospital from a massive heart attack(4 bypass heart surgery ) talk about sad! it was tho he kept me company thru the whole ordeal then said goodbye once he was home ...we pondered the same question and i believe it depends on the individual some people never get another dog but we decided to give our love to a puppy from the shelter and we are all doing great i think (piggymutz) would of wanted us to be happy as you should be too ,think about the good times your dog gave you not the sad ones those are the memories we keep ...good luck!

Answer 8

If you want to get another dog, you should get one as soon as you are ready to. Please, do not compare the new dog to the old one, it's not fair to it. I have also lost dogs before to old age and it is hard, especially when they were your work dogs and you spent all day with them. The kids will ove to have a new dog as well, I am sure. You gave your last dog a good life, let her go and don't cry because it's over, laugh becaused it happened. Good luck.
PS Go Navy.

Answer 9

I know exactly what your going through. I didn't wait to long before getting another dog myself. I did take my time finding another dog. You should take your time with your kids and go and start to just look around. I think the right dog will just be a matter of you will know it when you see it.

Good luck and I'm really sorry for your recent loss.

Answer 10

You need to remeber that you will NEVER find another dog like the one you lost. Becuase it was an individual. As for getting another on, you are the only one who can decide that. It sounds like you are wanting to get one now. Go to you local shelter, there you will be able to interact, and see their personalities until you find one that is a good match for you and you children! Also, you will be able to give an unloved dog love and a home! Sorry for you loss, and Good Luck! You can also look up local shelters on line and veiw dogs available for adoption.