Should we buy a dog after one just died?

Question

My dog passed away at the age of 14 years, we are very sad, my sister want to buy another one, I think it's too soon to replace him, it's only been 2 month, and I'm still grieving

Answer 1

i was really upset after my rotweiller of 12 years died, she was very special to my family because she was our first dog and very unique, we had another puppy rotweiler who was only about 6 months when she died, so i guess my case is different than yours, but my point is that we didnt feel bad about having a puppy around after she died, i think people think that if you buy another dog then you are "replacing" the one you lost, but thats not true at all, by getting another dog i think it helps a lot of people cope with the lost feelings they feel and it gives you some new happy memories to try and cease the painful ones. I currently have 3 dogs and they all mean so much to me, and my family still cherishes the memories of our first dog and constantly compare our current dogs silly behaviors with hers, and it makes us feel happy when we think of her, so again death is hard to get over but new life helps.... sorry for such rambled thoughts! hope it helped a little

Answer 2

That is a personal question. Everyone is different. You should do what feels comfortable for you. When my last dog passed away my sister went out and bought me a dog from a shelter. At first I did not want him. Maybe I felt a bit guilty. I also felt that no dog could replace the dog I had. My dog today is the most amazing, special dog and I am so grateful to have him.

Answer 3

A lot of people make the mistake of buying a dog after one has passed, I too almost made the mistake. It is not fair to the new dog to become part of your family until you are done grieving. There is a chance you will want the new dog to replace the feelings your old dog had, and that is just not possible. What I mean is we put down a Rottweiler who had cancer, I wanted to get another rotty pup, my boyfriend told me that even if I get another rotty it will never be "Gus" (the dog we put down) he was so right, I just wanted to see his face so badly. I say wait until you are ready, it may take a few more months I know it took me a long time too. Good Luck, Sorry for your loss.

Answer 4

This is a hard one. Boy, do I know how hard it is to lose a beloved fur kid. After I lost my dog in 2001, I was very sad as I'd lost three fur kids that year - two to old age and one to an inoperable brain tumor. I had another dog but there was a huge hole in my heart. I bought a Chihuahua puppy from a terrible breeder purely out of emotion. He was sick and nearly died.

The good thing is he pulled through and because of him my whole life changed. I do think it would have been better if I'd waited a little longer though. I would have thought more with my head than my heart. Still, it wasn't for my goofy Chihuahua puppy, I would not have the dogs I have now so no regrets. Just do what you think is best for your family.

Answer 5

It depends what kind of person you are.

If you got that dog to have as your bestfriend and love it and play with it and everything, i'd probably wait a while. It's just like losing a significant other. You wouldn't want to move on to someone brand new right away, would you?

If you got the dog to be a good watch dog or guard your home/family, it would probably be wise to get another one right away so you still have that feeling of safety and so you're comfortable.

Losing someone or a pet is devistating. But it's up to you on how you deal with it. This loss could make you feel empty and alone, and if you feel the need to have another dog by your side, i'd say GO FOR IT!

Answer 6

I think you should give yourself time to grieve but maybe a new dog will help you get over your old dog. It's not easy and you'll never truly get over missing your dog. My cat died almost 3 years ago at the age of 17 and I still miss her. I have a new cat and she makes it a lot easier. I love her as much as my last cat. They have different personalities. The new dog will never replace him but you have so much love to give why not share it with another dog? Give yourself time. Have you thought about just going to look? No strings. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

It depends on each individual.I have gotten dogs and cats after mine died and I did it not to replace the dog or cat that had passed but because I wanted something to care for again. It helped me with my grieving as I was busy with the new addition and it somewhat took my mind off the loss ( don't get me wrong I still remember them all) but it did help me and with your pet living so long you know he had a good life and don't you think he would like to see another have the love and care you had given him.
Good Luck with the choice you, your sister and family makes.

Answer 8

You can never replace one you can get another but it won't be the same. Dogs are a lot like people each one is different I have had many dogs in my life time but the first one I had to have put dowm in1971 will always be my favorite. I had to put one done on the eigth of this month she had cancer we had her for over 12 years. I know now you feel but it will pass. But when you lose a family member you don't really ever get over that . I know I lost a brother in 2002.

Answer 9

Absolutely. Dogs are pure love and devotion. You will have room in your heart for another dog to love, trust me. I lost my 14 year old dog, was grieving, and 3 months later, after saying I never wanted another pet again (because I could not bear to lose another pet ever again), my daughter surprised me with the most adorable and beautiful 6 week old puppy, who I fell in love with immediately. Now she's 3 years old, and really is my soulmate! I'm so grateful that I opened up my heart to another pet. You will be, too! So, yes, do it!

Answer 10

It is all a very personal choice. What is right for one is not the answer for another. You must go with what you feel comfortable with. I lost a dog, someone stole her when she was 5 years old. I was terribly grieved as well as the children. We did get another dog, she did not take the place of the other, however, she did do a great job of filling the void. It was a great choice for us. Good luck and God bless, I am very sorry for your loss. ****