Would you get another dog?

[robinh]

My thoughts are you don't get another dog to replace the one who has passed - you get one because you have so much love to give - you get another to share that love.

You'll know when it's time Anna. I think you and Mark are very loving people and Angus would want you to give another furkid that kind of loving family experience -- when you're ready.

[LorraineO]

After our MacDuffers died back in 99.. I waited a long time,,, not because I was grieving,, but because I had always had a dog,,, wanted a few years without one,,,, then along came the IWANTADOGGIE syndrom kicking in again and we got Lucy.... then Merlin...

[sirrahbed]

I am answering for myself and as a "cat person". I lost the last of my geriatric kitties within several of each other back in 2000 and 2003. We had them for 16 and 17 years. I was out looking at shelters within days and brought home a pair of sibling kittens, Emily and Eliot. They were in no way a replacement for the pets that were gone - I just can't imagine my home without the company of cats - each unique and different. My closest bond with a kitty was RB Bert who died at age 17 and there will NEVER be another like him. But I will always have more kitties as they need me. Having kittens in my home brought back allot of energy and joy that was missing as the last of my geriatrics passed away - and that lifelong bond came to a close. It was like beginning a cycle over again to me. But a replacement - never.
By the way - we are bringing home another pair of seven week old kittens on the 3rd of October They are the babies of a stray mamma taken in by PT'er Kimlovescats in Tennessee.

[Kfamr]

I honestly cannot say since i've never been in the situation and hopefully don't have to be for a while.

BTW, Anna, if ever needed I have a very willing puppy that would love to come visit.

[tatsxxx11]

When my heart dog, my beloved yellow Lab Jingles left for the Bridge, a huge emptiness was left in our home. My Cody was lost without her I didn't know what to do. For weeks, I was so depressed, crying all the time, not sure what to do about ever getting another dog. My Cody would walk on the beach dunes where she and Jing would romp and just stare out at the ocean and sadly howl that Husky howl, wondering where her best friend was. Still, I couldn't begin to think of getting another dog for about a month. Then I realized that I needed something to help fill that hole in my heart, and in Cody's. And I knew I had a lifetime of love to give another doggie.

After about two months or so, my family bumped into a woman in line in a supermarket, who was talking to the checker about her just born litter of Lab puppies, born the same day, almost to the minute that Jing passed to the Bridge, Sept. 5, 1998, at 5pm. It seemed like providence. And my family knew that Cody, being a rescue from an extremely abusive situation, and very fearful of grown dogs, (other than Jing) would probably do best with a puppy as a new addition to the family. (I had never had a puppy before, only adult rescues)

My family stepped in and surprised me with Star who came home a several weeks later and it was the best thing for us; for me, my husband and for Cody With a new pup in the house, I had little time to shut myself off from the world. Oy, what work raising a healthy, well adjusted puppy is I still grieved, a lot, but my days were full and busy with the care of a new dog in the home and of course, she brought such happiness to our days. And somehow, I believed that my Jing had sent down her light, her shining spirit to this precious puppy from above; hence the name "Star." I knew that Jing approved

Star is the same color and breed as my Jing. I know some people can't bear to get another dog of the same breed, let alone same color for fear of sad remembrances; of "replacing" their lost pup. Others do the opposite and feel comfort in seeing the same familiar looking face in the same color. It's all in what your heart tells you Anna. And you know, even thought they are of the same breed, same color, there is NO comparing or confusing Jing and Star They are that different, but equally as loved and special in their very own, individual and special ways! How often I've said to Star, Jing wouldn't do THAT

There was never any doubt I would get another dog, probably a Lab or Lab mix or Retriever mix. It was all a matter of when. And when that time is right, your heart will tell you Anna. I know for sure, you and Mark and Huney and Roxey have as much love to give as any family I know Take your time and follow your heart. Love, Sandra

[guster girl]

Well, I can tell you what I DID do. I had my Bruno (a 20 pound dachshund/cocker spaniel mix) from the time I was 13 til last year, when in June I had to put my best friend of 15 years down. I knew even before he passed that I would get another dog. I am not the kind of person to not have pets. It was never really a decision I made to go out and get a dog, but, I saw lab puppies in February, and, fell in love with Finn. So, I took him home with me. I still miss Bruno, but, Finn is a great friend. If and when something happens to me, I will most assuredly get another dog. As far as when it's right, I wouldn't have a clue til it was. I want to get another one while I have him, actually! Just not til he's a little more settled down.

[dappledoxie]

I know how like Robyn said, different people need to do different things, I've never personally lost a pet other than Max, my cat recently. I miss him so much, and I want another cat pretty bad but, I know that right now isn't the time to get one, only b/c of living at home and mom being how she is about house pets. I imagine that if something happens to one of my babies, I would be the kind of person to get another dog a few months or at least weeks after the loss. I just know that that little bundle of pup, needing me, would help me to deal with my grief.

[lute]

when Beanie dies (i dred the day) we are getting a great dane. i would like to whait a while before getting it,but my mom can't stand living without a dog so we'll probably get it sooner then later. my mom has this love of mini schnauzers,but not me! i'm full on great danes! i know that's what we're getting because they have already told me.

[jazzcat]

When my RB Pepper, a poodle, died I was so miserable that I wanted another pet within weeks so my husband agreed to a kitten and I got Ripley. Even though I had him it wasn't the same as a dog so about a year later I got Disney.

My husband is not a huge dog person and he prefers bigger ones that stay outside. Any dog I have will stay inside at least some/most of the time so since he and I can't agree I've decided that I won't get another dog when Disney passes.

If the day ever comes that we buy a new house with more land I intend to get a couple of large breed dogs though.

[Aspen and Misty]

I think it depepnds on you.

You all know how I feel. I would get another dog right away, I couldn't live another day if I knew I wasn't going ot have a big furry mutt to hold. On the breed thing - I'm more into the mutts and rescues, so I would just rescue a mutt who tugged on my heart stings.

Whatever you deced, I know we all will support you.

Ashley

[puppyluvs]

Anna,

For me when Timber died it took me a year to ever decide to get another, we just couldn't bear it . We then decided it was time, I myself think everyone is different and you will know beyond a shadow of a doubt when it it the right time for you guys to get another.

Hugs to you my friend
Mechele

[animal_rescue]

yes I probably would get another doberman is Maggie died, not right away probably like a 1 year later. I have grown to love and respect dobies. They are very smart! I would also like to get another miniture poodle!(my RB Friskie was awesome and I love poodles because of him!)

[stacwase]

I haven't got another dog since Jake's passing, but that's because I still have Max. If anything happened to Max, I would bring another dog into our lives - knowing that he/she would never replace Max.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I personally have not yet been in that situation. When that time does come I am positive I will get another. As for how soon, as soon as they find me. 3 of my 4 dogs have found me, 2 of them came when I wasn't looking. I don't know if it would be the same breed or not. I personally wouldn't go out looking for that exact breed, I don't care if I get a specific breed or a mix. There are some breeds I like and some breeds I don't, and I'm sure that would be a factor.

Last year, just before Christmas, my friend lost her lab mix to stomach cancer. She right away wanted another dog, but her husband was too heartbroken. She asked me to go to the pound with her just to look, so I did. There was the cutest little pit mix puppy there. When she saw him she knew she had to have another dog right away. Her husband and 2 boys came to see him later that evening, but he was adopted already. Just seeing the other dogs that all needed homes, they realized they needed another dog. They didn't bring one home that day, but did find lab mix puppy a few weeks later and adopted her. They are so happy with her and defiantly made the right decision for their family.

[Buddy Blaze Lover]

YES, I would get another dog; soon after my other one died (if I ever got over it), and the same breed (border collie). I would like to get another one now, but my parents have thought against it.