My eleven year old Irish Wolfhound died of cancer about two months ago. He was more like a child than a dog, and I loved him more than I can say. I know that no other dog can replace him, and I know I'll never love another dog as much as him, but I also know that I'm going to want another dog eventually. My sister claims that getting another dog so soon is insulting to his memory. How long would you wait to get another puppy? I'd be adopting a puppy, from a shelter, by the way.
2007-10-26 20:34:30 · 26 answers · asked by SeltzerLover 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm sorry to hear about the death of your dog. It's sad that they don't live very long (their only fault really!).
The timing of when you get another dog is entirely up to you and your feelings. Your dog would want to see you happy and if you feel ready to get another dog you should.
When my first dog passed away, it took us about 6 months to feel ready for another dog and it took longer after the second one died. However, a friend of mine got one much sooner and she found that it helped her a bit to get over some of her grief with the death of her first dog because she enjoyed the companionship again.
You could also try volunteering (or visiting) an animal shelter and see how being around other dogs makes you feel and whether or not you might want to adopt another one.
2007-10-26 20:43:28 · answer #1 · answered by Guzadog 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
That is so wrong of your sister to say such a thing to you! NOTHING will ever take your passed dog's memory away from you, it is with you forever. When I lost my Dobie to cancer in 2004, I thought the same as you, that I would never love another as much as him. His passing was horrible because he was just 4 years old and a very proud dog.
My next Dobie has worked his way into a totally different space in my heart and I know that this one will kill me just as badly as the last one did if he should happen to pass away before I do. But I think he feels the same way about me.
So what I am trying to say is Don't live with a the pain any longer, that steady, empty grief is hard on your physical health. Please go out and get yourself a little female Irish Wolfhound because it is true that the new dog will never replace the old so it is best to change genders of the next dog so that it is a totally different perspective.
Don't leave that puppy waiting any longer either.
2007-10-26 21:06:42 · answer #2 · answered by joanie m 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ugh! It is always very sad to lose a best friend, a friend that you loved and loved you back. When I lost my dog when I was away a college I swore to never having another dog since the pain hurt too much. Well a year and a half later I was married and I went to the pound since my husband "just wanted to look" I fell in love with my dog I have now, she needed me since she was going to be put down and I found out I needed her more then she needed me. A month later we brought home our second dog, everyone teases me because I swore to no more pets and now I have two dogs and hold back really hard on getting a third since we move often.
Take the time you need, you will never heal from the loss of your pet and you will never forget him or his memory, NEVER! Maybe you can volunteer at a local shelter and help with the dogs, they need the love you gave your Irish Wolfhound. In time you will see that you are ready to love another dog as much as you did your last.
2007-10-26 23:57:26 · answer #3 · answered by Sierra 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow!!! An eleven year old Irish Wolfhound!! That's no small feat. What an amazing testament to the care you provided. I have a 3 month old Irish Wolfhound, and would be absolutely thrilled if he gets to live that long.
Any dog is going to be lucky to have you. No dog will ever replace your Irish Wolfhound, but you will find another dog that will steal your heart.
Only you will know the right time to get another dog. If you would like to start tomorrow or a month from now, go for it.
2007-10-26 21:01:53 · answer #4 · answered by rx8bt25 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Well to make the transition easier you might try an older dog from a shelter- they have thier own persnalities and they KNOW they have been saved- They usually are very loving nad loyal - and I would say You don't have to wait as it is not the memory of the other dog dissapearing but the love of your family sharing with another dog that would be killed if not adopted- Your sister will come around But I do not suggest a puppy-
2007-10-26 20:44:17 · answer #5 · answered by admiredi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Soooo sorry you've lost your boy. Losing a loyal friend is very hard.
I 'm sorry but I don't agree with your sister, no disrespect to her, but I think the idea of a dog's memory being insulted is nuts! You would never forget him - and will always treasure your memories, whether you have another dog or not!!!
Get another dog to help you through this difficult time....or wait until you are ready. Don't base your decision on your sister's or anyone else's perceptions of social etiquette.
As you know, a dog will need to loved,cleared up after, trained and exercised every single day - if you are ready to do that then you're ready to get another dog. It's that simple. Your new boy or girl will not care about social niceties, I can assure you - they will simply love you and be your dog!
If you're not ready because you're still grieving, wait awhile.
Personally, I can't imagine feeling sad and not having soft brown eyes looking up at me and a walk to go on to help cheer me up and get me through the day.
You will surprise yourself by loving another dog just as much - they never replace your first dog - they just create their own new space in your heart. I have wonderful memories of my first dog - I thought I'd never replace her ...and I have wonderful memories of my 2nd...and no-one will ever replace him. I've been very lucky to have such special dogs in my life. ( I have another dog and a puppy now and they are absolutely irreplaceable too!)
Good luck, when you are ready, go ahead and if that is now then so be it. If not, wait until you are. Your new friend to be will be out there, and at the right time, you'll meet up.
2007-10-26 21:41:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Aww that was mean of your sister to say that - and absolutely not true. Your dog would want you to share your love with a new dog and is probably watching over you now and a bit worried about you that he's not there for you. He'd want you to get a new dog.
Getting a new pet after losing one doesn't replace that pet. It gives you something new to love. I've always gotten new pets shortly after losing one. This past weekend my four year old Persian died of PKD - Polycystic Kidney Disease. I volunteer with a shelter and they gave me a five year old Exotic Shorthair to take home with me the day after I lost him. Having a new kitty to give my love to has eased the pain of losing Spooky. I won't forget him, nor do I feel like I replaced him. I know he would have liked her and is probably quite happy that I gave a new shelter kitty a home. And I'm sure your dog would feel the same. He'd be quite proud of you, in fact.
((((HUG)))) losing pets is horrible. 11 is quite old for an Irish Wolfhound, isn't it? You must have been a VERY good owner for him to live so long!
2007-10-26 21:41:31 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
my seven year old argentian dogo died in march of 07', he had this ill cancer where he could not produce new red blood cells. Long story short.. I got him when I was 19 and he had been everywhere with me. I was devastated, and I continue to mourn my loss.
However my life situation has changed since not having the resposibility of my high maintance dog. I moved 800 miles from where I was for a good job, I could not have done that with him. But the real truth is, if I could have a new dog in my life I would, because you have to see reality and move on with your life.
I am planning on another dog, but I am waiting till the time is right. You will know when that is. I also recommend getting a puppy, It is like starting over in a way. Not saying it will be the same, but it fills that void in your life, and by starting fresh you foster new memories, and relationship with your next best bud, who will bw completly unique is their own way.
good luck
2007-10-26 21:32:15 · answer #8 · answered by smokinbolz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one can be the judge of how soon it would be to get a new dog. It is not replacing your beloved dog, but filling your home and sharing your love with a pet in need. But just make sure that you have had time to mourn his loss and had time to grieve, so that you don't unconsciously send negative emotions to your new dog. Your next dog should be a time of joy, happiness and that does not in any way lessen the impact and love that your special Wolfhound has left you with.
2007-10-26 20:41:01 · answer #9 · answered by Rexydoberman 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
that's sad, i had the same thing happen with my 13 year old lab a few years ago. two months is good, maybe a month or two more. it can get lonely without a dog around the house and very sad. you iwll be happy when you get a new dog but don't do it until you think ypou're ready to move on. for me it was about 3 1/2 months.
2007-10-26 20:38:26 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋