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

[CityGirlintheCountry]

I'm so sorry about Charlie, Gritstar. She was a cutie pie.

I don't have any advice for you. It has been different each time I have lost a pet. You'll know when it is the right time and the right dog.

Charlie was a good dog.

 

[Dar]

We lost our dear Tala on Dec 9/08

we knew she was not well and we planned on getting another dog ..we planned on a puppy because the rescues are way to complicated around here...my new puppy was born Nov 1/08. and 1 month later Tala was gone..

we were hoping that she would be able to hold on till the puppy came but we were not that lucky.

 

[Zahboo]

I still haven't gotten over Penny (Zahboo was her nickname) I did get more dogs though. You're not replacing them. Your heart will always have a hole that no other dogs pawprint will fill. We got another dog after 6 months or so. I don't think the dog would want you being lonely. Just don't compare the dogs, it makes it harder. I've learned this. Zahboo did this or Zahboo never ate my cell phone. If you open your heart to a new pup, accept that it is that, a new pup and can't resemble the other one

 

[Iowa Roo Mom]

So sorry for your loss!

I lost my 19 year old cockapoo when I was 19, he was the only dog I had ever had, or wanted to have. I was devistated. I didn't want another dog- I was convinced Scooby was the best and there would never be another one like him. I was right. There never will be another Scooby. But 3 weeks after he passed, my brother came home and handed me a tiny black and white ball of Pit Bull. His name is Diesel and he is the second greatest dog I have ever known. For me, I know now that when something happens to Diesel, I will get another as soon as I can. It's not about replacing Charlie, Gritstar, it's about getting another companion to help fill the huge viod in your life, and to help heal your wounds.

Everyone is different, but please don't think that by getting another dog, Charlie Girl would be angry. She would want you to be happy- and believe me- she knew she was your one and only- and she knew she will never be replaced. There will never ever be another "Charlie Girl"

 

[Davaroo]

DO what you need to do. Charlie is gone, and the memory of him will stay. But you have your piece of mind to bear. DO what makes you comfortable.

 

[Redsquirrel]

So sorry that you lost Charlie. I think he would want you to be happy and what would make you happy is another dog. Give those sweet doggies a good home and Charlie would be so proud of you.
I cried for weeks after my dog died then got another rescue dog.

 

[chickenzoo]

When you are ready I think another dog(s) help heal your heart. I've always felt loyal pets I have lost have always come back in a way with the new pet. I have 2 GPs and one female Anatolian/GP cross. Watch out for your shoes! Patience Grasshopper - you will need it for that hard head of theirs, LOL- but they are sweeties.

 

[Ehigh57]

A heart can always find more room for love.

 

[ChickenDreamer]

Tiana was a pound puppy and very sick when we brought her home. She was the first dog I had ever had. She was like a nanny to my children through the years and I can say confidently she saved at least two of their lives on different occasions.

Poor Tiana died suddenly of acute kidney failure at nine years old. I had NO idea how in love I was with that dog! Devastated can hardly describe how we all felt.

I was dead set against another dog. Ever.

When two years had passed, I realised I had a son who could really benefit from that special secure relationship that only a dog can provide. Begrudgingly, I searched for a dog. A dog for my son, NOT me. I bought a yellow lab puppy, brought him home, and proceeded to try and dislike him. He was too yellow, to hyper, to male.

Well, he's a lab. Need I explain the ways these foolish 80 lbs balls of fur can wiggle into your heart? I now consider him my fourth son!


So thats my story. I thought I needed time to heal, and perhaps I did. However, if we had brought Buddy home the day after Tiana had passed, I can't imagine loving him any less today.

Sending thoughts your way for a healing heart...

 

[momof247371]

I lost my shar pei "kenya" 4 years ago. I still cry if i let myself get too into the thought of her. she was my baby before i had my babies. I havnt gotten another dog yet, not because i feel that she would feel betrayed but because Im not ready..My dh has gotten a dog since then, i help care for him and give him attention but i dont have that connection with him like i did Kenya. i hope you move on at your own speed, dont rush it if you dont have too..i wish you all the luck in the world, i know its extreamly extreamly hard.