When is it right to get a new dog after putting older dog to sleep?

Question

I have always had two pets. My younger dog Buddy is very social and is grieving the loss of his older sister. I am grieving her as well...she was 15 but for health reasons, I had to put her down 2 wks ago. I love dogs and I know I will want another one at some point. How do you know when it is the right time to get another dog? It's a very big commitment and one I don't take lightly, but I know I have a lot of love to give another dog and I know Buddy would be less lonely if he had a companion. Thank you for all answers. Merry Christmas!

Answer 1

I'm sorry for your loss! I know losing an animal can be hard. You can get a dog whenever you feel that you're ready. I'd wait another couple of weeks though because choosing the right dog is a big responsibility and you'll need a clear head to do that or else you might end up getting a dog because it looks like you're previous one, and really not be compatible with you or Buddy at all. You should take Buddy with you too to help find your new pet. Good luck!

Answer 2

We Breed. And Our Dog Was Too Recently Put Down.

Our Dog Was Very Depressed Afterwards
however, Because We Breed, We Have To Have 'Perfect' Puppies So We Still Havent Yet Found A Puppy. (Lucy Was Put Down In October)

If We Could Have Got A Puppy Straight After, We Would Have Done Because Dogs Are Social Creatures. Also Lucy Was The Mother Of Our Current Dog Mitzie So She Mourned The Loss For A Very Long Time.

I Would Recommend Getting A Puppy As Soon As Possible.
But Be Careful! Dont Immediately Get Whichever Puppy You Can Get, Be Careful About Your Dog Choice - Make Sure It Is Healthy, And Has The Other Properties You Look For In A Dog.

Hope This Helps.
Merry Christmas!

Answer 3

First, I'm so sorry about your losing your dog. I know how hard it is and you'll grieve for a long time. But the thing is, you'll know when it's time to get a new companion for you and Buddy. It'll just suddenly feel right.

I only had one dog and it took me a year. But I woke up one day and I knew it was time. I've had others tell me the same. You've got other factors going on (Buddy) so it probably will be a lot sooner for you.

When you feel like you have the energy (the love obviously is not in doubt) for a new dog, do it. In the meantime, shower all that love on Buddy. He needs it.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

Answer 4

Tell me, how many of these aggressive dogs have you taken into your home and rehabilitated? Not every family has the means or the knowledge to train and rehabilitate aggressive pets. Then there is the liability issue. If you had children, would you bring an aggressive dog into your household? Most people wouldn't. Shelters do not have the time, knowledgeable people or the money to rehabilitate potentially dangerous dogs. Dogs with behavior issues in a shelter situation get worse instead of better. They also take up the room and resources that could be put towards more adoptable animals. While people want to save all shelter animals ( which is commendable) not all should be saved. The best way to save dogs is to prevent them from being in the shelter in the first place. This can be done by proper training and educating pet owners.

Answer 5

Sorry about your dog. Must have been a hard decision.

Where do you live? Up here in the north it is not advisable to get a new dog in the winter as it is COLD COLD COLD. If the dog needs any housebreaking training it will be hard for it to get used to it when it is freezing outside and people, dogs and everyone else doesn't want to be out there.

Also, it's not good to get a new animal during the holidays. Too stressful. Again, both people and pets are generally out of their routine and extra decorations in the home may be percieved as chew toys!

If you and/or your other pet are lonely then it might be time to look into a new animal. Especially a shelter dog. They would be so much happier at home with you than at a shelter.
I have two rescue dogs of my own and know that when one of them passes away I will be able to give a good life, great home and much love to a new rescue dog.

Best of luck.

Answer 6

For most of my adult life I have had a least two dogs, often three of four. Now I have just one, because of my age I think that it would be selfish to get another puppy.

I know that in the past my dogs have suffered when one of my dogs have died and so have I. My GSD is almost nine and I am almost seventy. I hope that when she dies I will go to the rescue center immediately and bring home an old dog who needs help.

Coping with your grief and dispare will be very difficult, Buddy will not understand he will be lonely and another dog will help him to cope.

You were very lucky to have a dog until the age of fifteen and you obviously have room for two dogs. Go out now and get a puppy or a rescue dog and this will help Buddy and it will also help you.

.

Answer 7

If you think it's right, absolutely get another one. I have always had to fill the void when I have lost a pet for one reason or another. You aren't replacing them you are just filling that void. I think it would do both you and Buddy good to have someone else to love in the house.
Go for it. You sound like a great mom and Buddy a great companion.
Good luck and Merry Christmas to you too.

Answer 8

My Aunt and Uncle have just gone through the same dilema. They have always had at least 2 dogs for as long as I can remember and they had to have one of their dogs put to sleep in the summer. They were unsure of getting a new dog but it only took them 3 weeks to find another two bouncing puppies.

I would say as long as you are not just about to go on holiday then any time is as good as any to get a new dog.

Good luck in your search and have a merry christmas yourself!

Answer 9

Sound like now would be a good time. I had two dogs, Elvira and Mishka. Elvira die of a heart condition at 14. I purchase a new female within the month and she turned up to be the most loving dog I ever had. (my dogs are schipperkes). The new dog is now 3 and is loves to set on my lap and sleeps next to me every night. We kept one of her puppies which has been an extra blessing.

My wife think of the dogs as her children she could never have, and she is very protective.

Answer 10

You should just go to a shelter and see what they have, and you might just find a dog you like. There is no right time, I had to put my dog down and I got a new dog 3 weeks later, I was so miserable without a dog. I still miss my first dog, but this dog is great too!