my dog just died do you think it would be out of order to get another one this soon?

Answer 1

Not at all....Just go and find another dog to love !!

Answer 2

I too just lost a dog 3 weeks ago and had to put my 17 year old cat to sleep last night.

Everyone grieves differently and there is no "right" or "wrong" answer to your question.

Take time to grieve for your pet and if you feel like you need another pet to help you get through your grief better, then get one.

However, take time to be aware of your feelings. I know I felt anxious, like I wanted to go out THAT DAY and get another dog. That would have been the worst thing for me to do. I wasn't thinking clearly about what a "new" dog would mean in my house.

Puppy? Older Dog? What Breed? ...all questions that you may want to take a little time to answer in your own mind. Make sure whatever animal you bring into your home, that it's healthy (from a shelter) or is a quality breeding (ethical good breeder for pure breds).

It's easy to get "sucked" in by cute puppies...I would want to take them all home! Take time to grieve, get you emotions a little bit more in check, then invest the time to find a new friend.

You will do the best for yourself and your new pet if you make the choice when your head is a bit clearer.

I feel your pain, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Answer 3

As you give no idea what you mean by "just died" it is a fairly difficult if not impossible to answer. If you mean "just died" as in "just died before I wrote this email" then I would say it was a tad early to get a new one.
If you mean three weeks ago then no. My critter died on me and I got another within 2 months. A man needs his dog. The dog is the most loyal creature a man can ever have. Get one when it is right to you. None of us have the right to tell you when that time is. I suggest you try a Weimaraner next time.

Answer 4

I faced the same dilemma when my cat died in January. I missed his presence so much, I wanted to get another cat immediately. A friend who is very learned in the animal community cautioned me against doing so too soon, advising that my grief for the lost cat may actually inhibit my bonding with the new cat.

I waited 2 months, although truthfully I looked at the humane society type of websites practically every day for those 2 months.

I did get a new cat, and I can't really say that we haven't bonded--we have. But at the same time, there is still a piece of me that compares him to my lost cat (and not favorably in a couple of areas.) All animals are different and unqiue and have their own characteristics and personalities. As long as you recognize you are getting a NEW and different animal, and not a replacement, you'll be fine.

PS, I am sorry for your loss. I had my cat for 10 years when he died and as you can tell--I still miss the big guy, even with my new cat. (WHo is great in his own way.)

Answer 5

Out or order to who? Your dog won't know, and if you think it will ease your pain, then do so. All I will say, is that I think it would be a bit out of order if you were trying to replace the dog that you've lost...so get a different breed, and a different sex, so you can learn to love the dog in it's own right, rather than as a replacement.

When my cat died, everyone told me to wait until I'd grieved before I got another one, but two weeks later, I got myself another kitten...but I resisted getting an identical one to the cat I'd lost, and got a totally different looking one, and a different sex...and I know love her in her own right, and remember the one I lost for what he was.

Answer 6

I think getting another dog to love and care for is a wonderful idea. You don't say how your dog died. Just make sure that if it was from an infection or disease, your new puppy is vaccinated before it enters your home.

And it's a great thing to remember your old dog with love. This new puppy is not a replacement. He is a new member of your pack to love and care for. He will have his own personality and joy to give you.

Answer 7

I would say it would be good to have another dog,it doesn't mean you will forget you last one but it could help you move forward also there are alot of dogs?puppies needing love and you can give them that so go on find yourself another friend and put as much into this one just like you have done before

Answer 8

Whatever is right for you is the right thing to do. There is no right and wrong way to do things. Only you can decide.

Whether you get another dog today or in a years time please be sure to take time to grieve for your lost friend. You have lost a family member. Don;t let anyone tell you that "it's just a dog." I had so many stupid people say this to me when I lost my beloved Missy. They obviously never loved a dog.

I know when you see the right dog or puppy you will know right aways the time is right. You beloved friend who has passed on would want you to love another the way you loved him/her.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll be holding you in my prayers.

Answer 9

I think it is totally up to you. I mean do you feel ready for another dog (It could make you forget the sorrow about the other dog a little less) or still can't bear seeing a dog and bursting out in tears

Answer 10

This is clearly a personal decision, but my answer is "no".

My wonderful Dalmatian had to be put down late last August. He was 13 years, 9 months. I saw his decline coming on for the last year prior to his death. His arthritis was so bad, he'd fall doing the simplest of things. His hearing was gone and his eyesight declined dramatically. As if all that wasn't enough, he then was suffering from renal failure, his teeth were bad and then the worst - vesticular disease (equivalent to a stroke) that left him immobile. I couldn't see him suffer.

As I knew the end was coming, I was mentally prepared. However, I was (and still am) emotionally devastated. I had that dog from a pup and he was everywhere with me for the past 13+ years! He saw me through so much, that his passing left a huge hole.

Still, as I wrote, I was mentally prepared and this allowed me to get a new dog quickly. In fact, I got 2 new dogs. I wanted another Dalmatian (as I fell in love with the breed), but I wanted a Golden Retriever too. I couldn't decide which to get, so I got both.

This has worked wonderfully for me - but it has been work. It's like having twins - two of everything. They were both neutered, both professionally trained, both treated by vets, etc.

As I look at my two pups, it's as if my former dog took his soul and split it in half - each dog has unique characteristics that my former dog had. Of course, each pup also has their own traits too. In other words, I see so much of my old dog in them. The pups are so playful, loving and trusting, that they have helped me recover.

But be careful - do NOT try to make your new pup into your old one. Do not expect your new dog to behave like your old one. He is not a replacement. He is unique. Love him for the new things he brings to your life. Do not hate him for what he lacks (in comparison to your old dog).

If you are mentally prepared for the responsibilities of a new dog, and feel you can emotionally love again, then getting a new dog quickly is fine. I got my 2 pups within a week of my older dog's passing. But I may be a bit unique - it's up to you to sort through your feelings.

I also recommend going to petloss.com (link below). They have a heavily moderated forum there where you can share your stories about your dog with people who know how you feel. That website was wondeful - it allowed me to vent and be consoled by people who truly understood.

I wish you the best!

Answer 11

As soon as you know in your heart that you won't view or treat a new dog as if he or she was your old dog (e.g., "You *know* better than to poop in the living room!"), you're ready for a new dog.

It's no slight to your old best friend. There's nothing like the unconditional love and companionship of a great pet. You just have to be ready, willing and able to form a completely new and different relationship with your new best friend.