My husband has to put his 7 year old dog to sleep tomorrow?

Question

They're really close, but our dog has been sick for some time, so we knew this day had to come. His birthday is a little over a month form now- would that be too soon to get him another dog? Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

I would let him deal with the loss and see how he does after the procedure and just be there to support him. See how he acts the next few days and it might be a good idea to just bring up that maybe someday he can get another dog and see how he reacts to it not mentioning you were thinking one for his birthday.

Some people deal with the loss of a pet even worse than the loss of a loved releative or close family.

Answer 2

I would go for it, I have found in my own personal experience that it is nice to have another dog around, not so much that it will replace the one I've lost, but it fills a void that is left from losing the other dog, dogs are like people no two are alike and he will love the dog just as much, plus your husband will have a new companion and something to take his mind off of the one he had to put down.

Answer 3

First, I want to send you all a long distance hug. I have an 11 year old greyhound with terminal Osteosarcoma bone cancer, and we are day to day right now with him. I know the heartbreak you are going through. I really don't think it is a good idea to get your husband a dog for his birthday. He needs to be the one to pick out his next buddy, and if you go out and get him another dog - he may feel that you are trying to "replace" his best friend. Let him heal his heart in his own time, and let him decide when he is ready to bring a new dog into your family. Men process grief differently than we do, and he may want to distance himself from all dogs for an extended period of time. They really don't like to hurt like this, and sometimes they feel that best way to not hurt again - is to not to allow themselves to become attached to another dog. I've been married for almost 30 years, and we have lost several dogs over the years. It is harder than losing a "people" family member sometimes, because the dog is there every day with you, the first one to greet you with love when you come home from work - and the only one that gives unconditional love all the time. The best thing you can do is to be there for your husband, give him support and love - and hope that the pain that he will feel will soon be replaced with happy memories of the wonderful years he had with your dog. When you are ready to get another dog, do consider a rescue dog. The best way to honor the live of a dog you have loved and lost is to save the life of another one.

Answer 4

Yes ,way to soon. It's called emotional transference and is an easy way for dog people to avoid the grieving process. I found out the hard way. Emotionally reserved caretaker types like myself are very prone to this. Check around for a foster dog program at your local pound or S.P.C.A. It's like a temp dog and some lucky family can benefit from your husbands experience and a dog gets relief from the stress of the shelter. And your hubby can decide for himself when he is ready. That way when you bring the dog in on his birthday you don't find out the hard way.(p.s. make sure the temp isn't to much like the old dog)

Answer 5

I am so sorry your husband has to lose his friend so soon. It isn't easy to make that decision, so good for him for doing the right thing.
My husband has had to put two dogs to sleep, both last year, and he was very hesitant to do so until I had to insist he look at the quality of life his dogs had.
I bought my husband a new puppy of the same breed about two months later-she is now my dog, because he never bonded with her. A few months later he fell in love with one of our foster dogs and asked me if we could keep her.
The lesson I learned was to let him make his own decision about when to get a new dog-no one else can make that choice for us. When he sees the right dog, he will know.

Answer 6

This really varies from person to person. We lost a dog unexpectedly last July, my husband was devastated, and initially said no more pets, but less than a month later, he was looking for a puppy- we had to wait for the right pup, and he came from cross country, so we didn't actually get him till the end of December. My mom had to put one of hers down recently, and though she was a wreck for a few weeks, she and her boyfriend were soon fostering a puppy that they have since adopted. I'm sure you would love to surprise him, but I would try to make sure he is ready and open to a new dog first, even if it means spoiling the surprise- good luck, and sorry to both of you for your loss.

Answer 7

I usually don't think it's appropriate to get someone a dog as a gift unless you know the dog is wanted and the person is ready.

However, in this case, you know your husband best.

I personally like to get another dog shortly after losing one. It makes it easier for me since helping the dog settle in takes all of my attention and it is amazing how quickly a new dog can steal your heart.

Why not go to your local rescue sites and shelters? There are plenty of dogs to choose from.

Go to petfinder.com to start your search.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Answer 8

Yes it would be to soon to get Him a Nother Dog, Let him Grieve Over This One First, He woulnt be able to love it , Not right now,

Maybe in 6 months, Not right away

Answer 9

I wouldn't surprise him with a dog.I would take him to the animal shelter on his birthday,and let him choose one,if he's ready.There are always dogs in need of loving homes and always people in need of loving dogs!

Answer 10

I know you mean well, but a family member cannot be so easily replaced. Let your husband decide if an when he's ready to get another dog...just let him know that you're open to the idea whenever he feels ready.