I would start searching for the perfect new pet probably a few weeks after one died, but the time when I get a new one would vary depending on when I find the perfect one for our family.

When our dog Retread died, we were not ready for another dog right away as we were still grieving his death, but our other dog Buttons was so depressed that we thought he might grieve himself to death. We got Mandy two weeks after Retread died to comfort Buttons. We weren't ready emotionally but she did help us heal a lot, including Buttons.

When Buttons died, we waited three months before we found the perfect dog (Nova) for our situation. I was ready for another dog maybe a month after he was gone, but the perfect dog didn't come along for two more months.


Now, if I had only one dog and no other pets, and it died, I think I would be at the shelter or humane society within a week after it's passing. My other dogs have helped so much when the other passed, I don't think I could grieve properly without a mountain of fur to bury my tears in.