When our basset hound, Buddy had to be pts, my parents got Rocky because my parents didn't want us to grieve so much and I have to say he helped our hearts heal. He is almost 10 years old now, I still miss Buddy every day and it's been almost 10 years. I truly believe Buddy told Rocky to be good to us and he has, he really has. but with other pets passing away, we have waited..it's just so hard to rush into another pet so soon for me anyways.