All those who have lost a beloved dog, please share advice!

[Rolsjo]

I agree, it sounds like you know the answer. You have the opportunity to give a home to a couple of dogs that truly need it. What you are doing for them in no way detracts from what you have given to Charlie in time, attention and love. If this will help you to deal with her loss, then it is a good thing. It shows, IMO, great maturity and forethought on your part that you are preparing for the grief you will feel when it is time to say goodbye to her. If anything it is a tribute to how much she means to you that you would need the comfort and distraction of a new dog to help you through your loss.

That's for you.

That's for Charlie.

 

[horsejody]

Don't forget to post pictures of your new girls. They need you, and you need them. Go get them.

 

[Cetawin]

Gritsar

you are not being disloyal whatsoever. Charlie was a loved family member and was taken care of by you...no dog can ask for more nor do they ever ask for more.

When your heart says it is time to get a new dog then you get one. everyone is different. It took me two years to get over the loss of my beloved wolf. I starting looking when I felt it was time to start looking. I took my time looking for a puppy or dog...Casca just came to me. When it was right, his ad was there. I went to see him and knew that instant it was time for him to come home with me.

Follow your heart darling. If you have questions or doubts then I strongly suggest you wait. When you can look at Charlie's picture and smile and tell her that you miss her but it is time to rescue another doggie and feel that is right saying it to her...then you get your new dog.

You will know when it is right.

 

[SophieLain127]

We lost our family Rott, Vaughn, after 12 years and a battle with diabetes. We had a second dog at the time and my parents haven't gotten another dog. My dad still gets choked up and it's been over a year.

We all miss him. My grandfather got a small rescue dog who died of cancer after a year so I gave him my little dog who was having trouble with the arrival of the new baby. If you feel you need a new dog then JMO i would get a different breed and get a new start with a new puppy. There are lots of puppies that need love and if you feel you need one to love then I'm sure there will be another perfect furry match for you. Best of luck.

 

[sundance]

After 10 years we had to have our Great Dane put to sleep in Feb, Do I still miss her Yes and I will always have a spot in my heart esp for Rasha.But I could not bear to watch the pain she was in. I also have 3 other dogs, If something happened to all of them I would get another as soon as possible. They are a comfort and they give love unconditionally marrie

 

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

I have been thru this. My heart aches at the pain you are going through and the fresh hurt it brings my heart again.

I have done replacement different ways. I have waited out of loyalty and heartbreak. I will only tell you one story...

Kirbie was a rescue dog from a PA puppymill. Kirbie came into our lives in January 2008. Oh I loved that Shih-tzu immediately. He bacame the office dog where I work with old folks. He had to have eye surgery, that is why he wasn't worthy to sell to a pet store. So he was worthless to them.

Anyway, he had two eye surgeries and recovered well. He followed one of our cats one day, couldn't find his way for about 2 hours...my husband found him in the woods worn out. We took him to an emergency hospital where he had to have a plasma transfusion. His heart gave out during recovery. He died July 23rd 2008. We only had him 7 months, but he took my heart with him.

The lady rescuer found out what happened and arrived on my doorstep a week later with a cross-eyed shih-tzu that needed a home. We took him in as he needed us...Bailey now takes care of my heart until Kirbie and I meet again.

Don't go lonely. Charlie would be sad.

 

[ChickenToes]

I advise waiting at least a month before getting another dog. Way too often, people run out and try to replace a beloved pet right after it has passed. A lot of times, this ends up being a mistake.

A friend of mine is an example of this. Less than a week after her dog died, which she had for 11 or so years, she brought home a dog from the local shelter. The dog is about the same size as the one that died, and looks somewhat similar. The dog has been nothing but trouble. She rushed into it, and now has to try and train this impossible dog.

I wish you the best of luck, with whatever you decide to do.

 

[gritsar]

Well, we can't go get the girls today. They are not at a local shelter. There are no local shelters. They are in a foster home a few hours away.
At any rate, there's still the adoption process to go thru and the rescue organization requires that the dog (or dogs in this case) stay with us for two weeks for a "home visit" before they will finalize the adoption.
Other than the one sister having roughly the same color coat as Charlie, they don't look like her. Like Charlie before I got her, they spent the first year of their lives confined to a small area in a backyard with no human contact except at feeding (or beating?) times. Charlie was so afraid of people when I first got her she spent the first three months living under my bed and didn't come out unless my X and my DD were gone to work and school. In time, patience and love won her over and she learned that not all people are dog beaters.
IF these girls are meant for our family, we will bring them home soon and I'll be sure to post pics. My chickens thought Charlie was big! Wait till the get aload of these girls, half anatolian shepherd, half great pyrenees.

Thanks for the kind words y'all. These past few weeks have truly been some of the hardest in my life.

 

[Nash56]

I lost my 8 year old pembroke welsh corgi 1 1/2 years ago. I was heartbroken and thought I would never get another dog, however about 2 months later my adult children saw an ad and with the encouragement of my DH I checked it out. I now have the most wonderful dog, not that he replaced my other dog, he is totally different than the other dog but he did get me out of my funk.
Good luck, and my sympathy.

 

[McGoo]

So sorry for your loss.

As for me, I lost 2 dogs and a cat over 1 1/2 yrs - all old age. I didn't get a dog until after the last of them died... it is difficult to introduce a puppy to old pets.

I wasn't sure about getting another dog, but really started to feel like I wanted a companion since my dh is away a lot.

As circumstances happen I heard about a shepherd who was rescued and as she was being nursed back to full weight/health the neighbor's lab had his way with her.... 13 puppies later... blah, blah, blah.

So my wait after the last one died was only about 1 1/2 months.

I think it's all about circumstances. It does seem like you might be a great match for these 2 girls... but only if you think you are. You'll never forget Charlie, but now is the time to think about them getting a good home.

all the best with your decision.