Help! I feel incredibly guilty, is it to soon to think about getting a new puppy.?

Question

Let me just summarize this. I'm 16 and my 3 yr old Shiba Inu was struct by lightning three months ago. I miss her dearly and i miss having a little dog running around. Right now im stuck between my feelings and everything. On one hand I want another little puppy running around, but at the same time i feel guilty and am afraid that this new dog will erase the memories i have of her. If you havent guessed already, she was my first dog to die and i just dont know what to do. Also I love shibas but im afraid of getting another one. And also if I get a different breed i feel ill replace her like i have a new favorite breed. What should i do?

Answer 1

Your first dog will NEVER be forgotten. Getting another of the same breed or another breed will not and cannot replace her.

I'm sorry for your loss. When it is time, you will find yourself with another dog.. and it will be the right thing.. and you'll think to yourself "I wonder if my little girl sent this one to me". I ended up with a male Samoyed puppy this way when I was not even looking for one.

Answer 2

I am/was in your shoes. I had my dog since age 12 and when he died I missed him dearly. I couldn't bear to have another dog for fear I would be "betraying" Koty in a way. I was also afraid that if I got one too soon after Koty's passing I would end up resenting the new dog because it was not like Koty. What helped me was volunteering at the humane society and dog sitting. It really helped me to heal and gave me the comfort of a dog without sacrificing my feeling just yet. I would recommend dog sitting or dog walking and see how you feel. Are you comparing the dogs to your prior one? How do you feel with the "new" dog. There are also books out there that deal with this subject. Check out www.pet-loss.net for some books. For some, getting a new dogs helps with the healing but I just wanted to tell you to be cautious and not do something you will later regret. Good luck!

Edit: As for the getting a different breed thing I've heard from some people that there are pro's to it. It's harder to compare your new dog to your old one if you have a different breed. If you do get another Shiba, try and find one that isn't a clone of your other dog. It's harder to think then "Why doesn't this dog listen/follow directions/do that thing that my old dog used to do?" because they look different.

Answer 3

I know your feelings, been there.

I am in my 40's and have had many breeds of dogs in my life. I have had them die at an early age and most live to an old age. To me, that empty feeling must be filled. I have never gotten the same breed as the one that died. This is only my way of looking at it. I don't want to be comparing the new pup to the dog that died.

I've had mutts, Golden Ret. St. Bernard, Black and Yellow Labs, Border Collies, German Shepard, Aussies, Great Pyrenees, Pembroke Welsh Corgi's (which I have a litter of 8 pups now).

These are the breeds I like. So I get one of them. I did loose my 14 year old Yellow Lab back in August so I do understand your feeling now. As this litter of pups was due I put myself into the mother dog.

I need that emptiness filled. You will not love the dog that died any less. You will start to laugh about the dog as you see a new pup play, remembering things the other dog did as a pup. You will laugh again, I suggest you get another pup.

My best wishes to you that your grief subsides soon.

Answer 4

I don't believe you have to feel guilty.
You, I assume is a dog lover, it is very nature to want to have a dog running around you.
Same breed will be fine. Few years ago, two of my Yorkies passed away (in different time). When we were ready to get a new puppy. We were worry if we get a same breed, will we forget or compare the new one with the old one.
The answer is NO. We are still thinking our old dogs, remember all the good time we had. Mean while, we are very happy with new puppy.

Answer 5

You will never forget a pet that has left you. I still get misty over a cat and dog that have been gone for almost 10 years- I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly, but when I look at the loving pets that fill my house now, I can't imagine those 10 years without them.

The right dog will let itself be known to you at the right time. Your heart will know exactly when it's time. Good Luck- you will have love again soon!

Answer 6

Go ahead and get another dog. You might want to get a mutt, as they are generally smarter and healthier then the often inbred "purebreed" dogs. You have to go with your instincts on this one, though. Most of what you say you are worried about is not really important. If getting a new pet will make you feel better, do it. You can still grieve for the lost one while loving your new friend.

Answer 7

Get another Shiba. Your new dog will never, never erase the memories. I lost my girl Shih Tzu a little over a year ago, bought 2 more and even tho they are great and we love them, we never have forgotten the great times and memories of our first Shih Tzu.
Good luck.

Answer 8

I never forget my pets that are gone.
They have a special place in my heart.
It is hard to let go really hard but in time you feel ready to get a new puppy/dog.
No dog will replace your first dog.
When the time is comes you will be able to open your heart to a new dog.

If you get one from the shelter you will be saving a life and giving a dog a good home.

Answer 9

Nicest thing you could do is go to your local Humane Society, Animal Services, SPCA, or breed rescue and adopt a dog in loving memory of your dog - not to replace her, but as a tribute to the love she gave you and that you had for her.

Good luck - but think about giving a homeless dog a loving home.

Answer 10

I think the fact that you question your reasons for wanting another dog show that you are self-aware and that you have concern for your new dog. This is a good thing!

I say go for it. You aren't replacing your old dog. S/he'll have a different name, different personality, and by sticking with the same breed again... well, think of it as a tribute to your first dog.